ERISA/EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PARALEGAL

McCarter & English, LLP is seeking an experienced paralegal for our Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation (EBEC) practice group in our Philadelphia office. Primary work will be in support of all forms of retirement plans, including but not limited to defined benefit pension, 401(k), 403(b), and profit sharing, plans. The individual in this role will work closely with lawyers in the EBEC practice group and with lawyers and business professionals throughout the firm and will be an integral member of the team. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of employee benefits experience. If you have relevant experience, we would like you to consider joining our team. Candidates who receive an offer of employment will be processed through a background check which will be an individualized assessment based on the applicant’s or employee’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job. Please send your resume and cover letter to Christine Lydon, Chief HR Officer, at View email address on click.appcast.io. The salary range for this position is $60,000-$125,000 annually, depending on experience.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Draft and review plan documents and amendments
• Draft and review participant communications, including Summary Plan Descriptions
• Research and summarize applicable law
• File Determination Letters and correction program filings with the IRS and the U.S. Department of Labor
• Respond to client inquiries on plan operation, correction, and compliance matters
• Assist with other matters as necessary

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Excellent organizational and communication skills while displaying a positive, high-energy attitude;
• Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and problem-solving.
• Proficient knowledge of internal software applications, such as word processing, internet searching skills, spreadsheets and databases and knowledge of MS office, specifically MS Word, MS Excel and MS Outlook;
• Ability to accurately interpret and understand legal concepts and procedures as they relate to the practice areas and the organizational and project management skills needed to manage time well, prioritize effectively and handle multiple deadlines.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of five years of experience with retirement plans; individuals with significantly more relevant experience are strongly encouraged to apply. A college degree or paralegal certification is needed, though we will consider significant relevant work experience as a possible substitute.
• A high degree of proficiency in standard computer applications, including but not limited to Adobe and Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is required.

Benefits (if FTE requirements met):

• Firm-Paid : Basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance and short-term (ST) and long-term (LT) disability benefits.
• Health & Wellness : Comprehensive medical/prescription drug coverage (the Firm pays a share of the cost), including a high deductible health plan with an annual Firm health savings account (HSA) contribution.
• Employee-Paid Voluntary Benefits : Dental and vision coverage, supplemental health plans (accident, cancer and critical illness), flexible spending accounts, optional life and AD&D insurance (supplemental employee, spouse and child) and supplemental STD coverage.
• Retirement : 401(k) plan offering three types of contributions: pre-tax, Roth and after-tax contributions.
• Time Off : Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and leaves of absence to support work-life balance (e.g. parental leave)

Additional Benefits:

• Free and confidential employee assistance program (EAP) and behavioral health services program
• Firm-paid back-up child/elder care, academic support and pet care program
• Tax-advantaged college savings 529 Plan
• Employee discounts through Working Advantage

Other Compensation:

• Eligibility for discretionary bonus.

McCarter & English, LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.