Employee Benefits Attorney – Buffalo

Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Relocation stipend

Signing bonus available

Job summary

Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC seeks an experienced Employee Benefits Attorney to join our legal team in Buffalo. The role focuses on ERISA matters, pension and health plans, and executive compensation, with an eye to expanding the practice by 1–3 attorneys over the next two years.

You will advise on plan design, administration, and regulatory compliance, draft plan documents, and represent clients in regulatory matters with agencies such as the IRS and DOL.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active New York bar membership in good standing.
• 7–15 years in employee benefits law with ERISA/ ACA knowledge.
• Expertise in fringe, retirement, health and welfare benefits and executive compensation.
• Strong analytical, research, and drafting skills.
• Able to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and client service skills.
• Collaborative, self-motivated problem-solver.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on employee benefits matters including pension, health and welfare, and executive compensation.
• Advise on plan design, administration, and compliance, including drafting plan documents and SPDs.
• Represent clients in regulatory matters with the IRS, DOL, and other agencies.
• Support corporate transactions with due diligence, integration, and compliance reviews.
• Stay current on changes in benefit laws to provide proactive advice.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external clients to deliver tailored legal solutions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Drafting skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Job description

Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC, a dynamic and growing law firm, is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Employee Benefits Attorney to join our legal team. This position offers the opportunity to work with a collaborative team while managing a diverse portfolio of clients. Our firm is committed to expanding its ERISA and employee benefits practice, and we plan to add 1-3 additional attorneys in this area over the next one to two years.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on various employee benefits matters, including pension and retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, executive compensation, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Advise clients on plan design, administration, and compliance, including drafting plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and other related materials.
• Represent clients in regulatory matters, including interactions with the IRS, Department of Labor, and other governing agencies.
• Provide legal support for corporate transactions, including due diligence, integration, and compliance reviews.
• Stay current on changes in laws and regulations affecting employee benefits to provide proactive advice to clients.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external clients to deliver tailored legal solutions.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing in New York.
• 7-15 years of experience in employee benefits law, with extensive knowledge of ERISA, ACA, and related federal and state laws.
• Expertise in fringe benefit plans, retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, and executive compensation.
• Strong analytical, research, and drafting skills with a proven ability to handle complex legal matters.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong focus on client service.
• A collaborative, self-motivated, and proactive approach to problem-solving and team interaction.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This position is primarily performed in an office setting and involves extended periods of sitting, working at a computer, and communicating via phone and email, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• The role may require occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (e.g., files or office materials up to approximately 10–20 pounds), with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic work environment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Why Join Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC?

• Competitive salary range from $120,000 to $200,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Books of business are not required but are considered.
• Negotiable starting bonus and relocation stipend.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages professional development and career growth.
• Opportunities to work on challenging and impactful legal matters in a collegial setting.

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or domestic violence victim status.