Employee Benefits Practice Counsel Attorney

Employee Benefits Practice Counsel AttorneyDirect Counsel is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Practice Counsel to join a nationally recognized law firm's Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice. This is a non-partnership-track position designed for a seasoned attorney with 10+ years of experience advising clients on day-to-day employee benefits matters, including ERISA compliance, retirement and welfare plans, and fiduciary responsibilities.This is a client-facing role offering the opportunity to independently manage routine employee benefits matters and provide practical, business-oriented legal guidance to clients. The position is particularly well suited for an experienced attorney who enjoys substantive client work and ongoing legal counseling without the additional expectations of business development, practice growth, or partnership-track responsibilities.The ideal candidate will have experience working within a law firm's dedicated Employee Benefits practice and the ability to manage client matters independently while delivering thoughtful, efficient, and practical legal advice.Responsibilities:Advise clients on day-to-day employee benefits matters, including ERISA compliance and regulatory requirements.Provide legal guidance regarding qualified retirement plans, welfare benefit plans, and related employee benefits programs.Counsel clients on fiduciary responsibilities and compliance obligations under ERISA.Independently manage routine employee benefits matters and ongoing client requests.Review and advise on employee benefit plan documents, amendments, and related materials.Provide practical legal solutions to clients regarding plan administration, compliance, and employee benefits issues.Maintain direct client relationships and serve as a trusted legal resource for ongoing employee benefits matters.Qualifications:10+ years of experience practicing employee benefits and executive compensation law.Significant experience advising clients on day-to-day employee benefits matters.Strong working knowledge of ERISA compliance, retirement plans, welfare benefit plans, and fiduciary responsibilities.Prior experience at a law firm with a dedicated Employee Benefits practice is preferred.Ability to independently manage routine client matters and provide practical legal guidance.Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple client matters efficiently.Active admission to the bar in the state where the candidate's preferred office is located.Position Structure:This is a non-partnership-track Practice Counsel position focused on substantive legal work and direct client service. The role does not carry business development or practice growth responsibilities, making it an attractive opportunity for an experienced attorney seeking a long-term practice role centered on employee benefits counseling.Chicago is the preferred office location, but candidates based in any of the firm's other U.S. offices will also be considered. Candidates must be admitted to the bar in the state where their preferred office is located.Compensation & Benefits:The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $290,000–$330,000. Actual compensation will depend on geographic location, experience, qualifications, market data, and internal equity.Total compensation may also include:Annual discretionary merit bonus.Annual retirement plan contribution.Comprehensive employee benefits package.Experienced employee benefits attorneys with 10+ years of practice experience are encouraged to apply. Candidates with a background in ERISA compliance, retirement and welfare plans, and fiduciary matters who are interested in a client-facing, non-partnership-track role are particularly encouraged to explore this opportunity.Please submit your resume to Direct Counsel for confidential consideration. We welcome the opportunity to discuss this position and how it may align with your career goals.