Employee Benefits Practice Counsel (8+ years)

Permanent Placements LLC; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 290,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

Permanent Placements LLC is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Practice Counsel for a non-partnership-track role at a leading law firm. The ideal candidate will advise on ERISA, retirement and welfare plans, and fiduciary matters, with senior-level responsibility and autonomy.

Based in Chicago, the position offers flexible arrangements including fully remote, hybrid, or in-office work, and a salary range of $290,000 to $330,000.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in employee benefits practice.
• Experience with ERISA, retirement and welfare plans.
• Preferably from a firm with dedicated employee benefits practice.
• Strong organizational skills and independent matter management.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on ERISA compliance and retirement/welfare plans.
• Independently manage routine client matters and provide guidance.
• Work directly with clients on ongoing benefits questions.
• Collaborate with group on larger benefits matters.
• Manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• Maintain client-facing practice without BD expectations.

Skills

ERISA experience

Employee benefits

Client counseling

Independent management

Education

State bar admission

Job description

A highly regarded law firm is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Practice Counsel to join its employee benefits practice. This is a non-partnership-track position designed for a senior attorney who wants to continue building a sophisticated employee benefits practice without the business development expectations associated with the partnership track.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience advising on retirement plans, qualified plans, defined benefit plans, and 401(k) plans. Candidates from law firms, in-house legal departments, and government backgrounds will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on day-to-day employee benefits matters, including ERISA compliance, retirement and welfare plans, and fiduciary responsibilities
• Independently manage routine client matters and provide practical legal guidance
• Work directly with clients on ongoing benefits questions and needs
• Collaborate with other members of the group on larger and more complex employee benefits matters
• Manage multiple matters and deadlines in an organized and responsive manner
• Maintain a client-facing practice without business development or practice growth responsibilities

Qualifications

• At least 8years of employee benefits experience
• Experience with ERISA, retirement and welfare plans, and related fiduciary issues
• Ideally, experience with a law firm that has a dedicated employee benefits practice
• Strong organizational skills and ability to independently manage matters
• Admission to the state bar of the attorney’s preferred office location

For a senior employee benefits attorney, the position offers an appealing alternative to the traditional partnership track: high-level substantive work, direct client responsibility, autonomy, and flexibility, without an expectation to develop a book of business. The position is preferably based in Chicago, although candidates in Washington, D.C. or New York will also be considered. The group offers significant flexibility, including fully remote, hybrid, and in-office arrangements.

Salary range: $290,000-$330,000