ERISA Attorney

Job Description

 Job Title: ERISA Attorney

 Department: Legal                             FLSA Status: Exempt                        Job Status: FT

 Reports To: Staff Attorney          

 Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

POSITION SUMMARY

Our ERISA Attorney provides expert guidance on the design, administration, and compliance of qualified defined contribution plans (401(k), profit sharing, MEPs/PEPs). Responsibilities include advising on regulatory issues, drafting plan documents, overseeing compliance testing and filings, managing vendor agreements, and supporting audits. The role also involves monitoring legislative changes, delivering training, and offering strategic advice on fiduciary duties, governance, and complex operational matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Advise on the design, implementation, and ongoing administration of qualified defined contribution plans, including 401(k), profit sharing, and MEPs and PEPs.


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  Work on resolving complex regulatory issues to assist clients and internal partners.

  
  


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  Draft, review, and update plan documents, amendments, and participant communications.

  
  

• Provide regulatory oversight of annual compliance testing (e.g., nondiscrimination, top-heavy, coverage) and Form 5500 filings.


• Provide internal legal support for plan administration, including eligibility, vesting, distributions, and corrections.


• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting retirement plans and communicate changes to internal teams and clients.


• Advise on fiduciary responsibilities, prohibited transactions, and plan governance.


• Draft, review, and negotiate TPA and recordkeeper service agreements, as well as other contracts necessary for plan administration.


• Advise on and prepare various agreements related to plan operations, compliance, and vendor relationships.


• Advise internal teams on their support of clients in IRS and DOL audits, investigations, and voluntary compliance programs.


• Address complex issues such as mergers, plan terminations, QDROs, and participant claims.


• Responsible for managing relationships with outside counsel.


• Deliver training and education to staff and clients on ERISA compliance and best practices.


• Manage a team providing leadership, guidance, and support in their day-to-day responsibilities.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

·       Deep knowledge of ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations governing qualified defined contribution plans.

·       Expertise in plan design, administration, and compliance for 401(k), profit sharing, and multiple employer plans (MEPs/PEPs).

·       Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for resolving complex regulatory and operational issues.

·       Proficiency in drafting and reviewing plan documents, amendments, and participant communications.

·       Ability to interpret and apply legislative and regulatory changes to retirement plan operations.

·       Skilled in negotiating and managing service agreements with TPAs, recordkeepers, and vendors.

·       Excellent communication and presentation skills for delivering training and advising clients and internal teams.

·       Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

·       Collaborative mindset for working with internal teams, clients, and outside counsel.

EXPERIENCE

·       Minimum 7–10 years of experience in employee benefits law, retirement plan compliance, or related field.

·       Minimum of at least 2 years in a leadership or management capacity.

·       Demonstrated experience advising on qualified defined contribution plans, including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans.

·       Proven track record of managing compliance testing, Form 5500 filings, and fiduciary governance.

·       Experience supporting IRS and DOL audits, investigations, and voluntary compliance programs.

·       Background in drafting and negotiating service agreements and plan-related contracts.

·       Prior experience delivering ERISA training and guidance to clients or internal stakeholders.

·       Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office

EDUCATION

·       Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school; active license in good standing.

CERTIFICATES & LICENSES

·       Additional industry certifications such as CEBS, ASPPA, or similar credentials preferred.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT 

• Extended sitting and computer work.


• For all virtual remote positions, in order to ensure associates can effectively perform their job duties with no distractions, we require an uninterrupted virtual workspace. Additionally, there is an internet work speed requirement of 100 MBps or better. If you are unsure of your internet speed, please check with your service provider. Please ensure that you are able to meet these expectations before applying as adequate home work environment and the required internet connection is a non-negotiable requirement of remote employment. 


• Travel to onsite meetings, as needed.