ERISA Attorney (CQ)

Strongpoint Partners; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Workplace – Hybrid and remote

Flexible PTO

Inclusive Environment

Growth Opportunities

Comprehensive Benefits

Workplace Perks

Job summary

Strongpoint Partners, a tech-enabled retirement services platform, seeks an experienced ERISA Attorney to support Carlson & Quinn. You will ensure accuracy, compliance, and integrity of retirement plan documents and participant communications, interpreting plan provisions and navigating complex regulations.

Reporting to the TPA’s President, you’ll collaborate with Senior Consultants and Plan Administrators to support day-to-day operations, bring deep ERISA expertise, and deliver written,

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in retirement plan administration, consulting, or a related field.
• Deep experience drafting and reviewing retirement plan documents, including pre-approved and individually designed plans.
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury regulations, IRS guidance, and DOL requirements.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational abilities.
• Proven research skills with the ability to interpret and apply complex regulations.
• Ability to work independently, identify key issues, and drive solutions with minimal direction.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with document automation tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review retirement plan documents, including 401(k), profit-sharing, ESOP, 403(b), and non-governmental 457(b) plans.
• Prepare plan restatements, amendments, board resolutions, and adoption agreement updates.
• Maintain and update summary plan descriptions (SPDs) and related addenda.
• Ensure documents comply with ERISA, IRS qualification requirements, and evolving regulatory guidance.
• Support plan mergers and terminations, including preparation of required documentation.
• Prepare administrative committee charters and fiduciary acceptance letters.
• Interpret plan documents to ensure accurate operational application.
• Prepare executive summaries of plan provisions to support client discussions and plan design decisions.
• Stay current on legislative and regulatory changes impacting retirement plans and advise internal teams accordingly.
• Research complex technical questions and provide clear, actionable insights.
• Identify and evaluate operational and document errors; recommend correction methods and prepare required filings (e.g., EPCRS).
• Review domestic relations orders for QDRO compliance and administrative feasibility.
• Draft correspondence summarizing findings, documents, and recommendations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on plan language and participant disclosures.
• Track and manage document-related compliance deadlines to ensure timely completion.
• Review documents and communications to ensure consistency across all materials.
• Prepare administrative forms and supporting documentation as needed.

Skills

Writing skills

Editing skills

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Research skills

Document automation tools

Tools

Document automation tools

Job description

Strongpoint Partners is tech -enabled retirement services platform serving small- to mid-sized businesses with integrated retirement third party administration, recordkeeping, payroll, and HR solutions. Recognized as one of Inc. 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies in America and certified as a Great Place to Work, Strongpoint offers a suite of services that prioritizes accuracy, compliance, and reduction of regulatory risk for its clients, delivered by local client success teams that understand the nuances of the markets they serve. With a coast-to-coast network of 19 leading firms including HowardSimon (\"HSR\"), Jocelyn Pension Consulting (\"JPC\"), Retirement Strategies Group(“RSG”), Retirement Planners and Administrators(“RPA”), Pension Financial Services(\"PFS\"), Pollard & Associates (\"PA\"), Carlson Quinn (\"CQ\"), SI GROUP (\"SIG\"), Retirement Planning Consulting Group(“RPCG”), Karel-Gordon & Associates (\"KGA\"), Cash Balance Actuaries(\"CBA\"), Pension Consultants, Inc.(“PCI"), Actuaries Unlimited(\"AUI\"), California Retirement Plans(\"CRP\"), Benefit Equity(\"BEI\"), United Benefit Pensions, Inc.(\"UBP\"), Creative Retirement Systems(\"CRS\"), Associated Pension Consultants(\"APC\"), Allied Consultants, Inc.(\"ACI\"), American Retirement Plan Services, LLC(“ARPS"), and SMS Retirement(\"SMS\"). Strongpoint Partners combines a relentless passion for service and innovation with the experience and expertise required to make retirement work for everyone. For more information, please visit: www.strongpointpartners.com .

Strongpoint Partners is seeking an experienced ERISA Attorney to support one of our partner firms, Carlson & Quinn. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and integrity of retirement plan documents and participant communications.

Reporting directly to the TPA’s President, this role partners closely with Senior Consultants and Plan Administrators to interpret plan provisions, navigate complex regulatory requirements, and support day-to-day retirement plan operations. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, along with strong writing, research, and analytical skills.

This is a highly technical, detail-oriented position suited for someone who enjoys working behind the scenes to ensure plans remain compliant while supporting both internal teams and client needs.

About Carlson & Quinn

Carlson & Quinn is a respected third-party administration firm and a valued partner of Strongpoint Partners. Known for their technical expertise and client-focused approach, the team specializes in delivering high-quality retirement plan administration and consulting services.

As part of the Strongpoint network, Carlson & Quinn combines deep industry knowledge with the resources and collaboration of a national platform, creating an environment where professionals can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

Plan Document Management

• Draft and review retirement plan documents, including 401(k), profit-sharing, ESOP, 403(b), and non-governmental 457(b) plans
• Prepare plan restatements, amendments, board resolutions, and adoption agreement updates
• Maintain and update summary plan descriptions (SPDs) and related addenda
• Ensure documents comply with ERISA, IRS qualification requirements, and evolving regulatory guidance
• Support plan mergers and terminations, including preparation of required documentation
• Prepare administrative committee charters and fiduciary acceptance letters

Support for Senior Consultants & Plan Administrators

• Interpret plan documents to ensure accurate operational application
• Prepare executive summaries of plan provisions to support client discussions and plan design decisions
• Stay current on legislative and regulatory changes impacting retirement plans and advise internal teams accordingly
• Research complex technical questions and provide clear, actionable insights
• Identify and evaluate operational and document errors; recommend correction methods and prepare required filings (e.g., EPCRS)
• Review domestic relations orders for QDRO compliance and administrative feasibility
• Draft correspondence summarizing findings, documents, and recommendations
• Serve as a subject matter expert on plan language and participant disclosures
• Track and manage document-related compliance deadlines to ensure timely completion
• Review documents and communications to ensure consistency across all materials
• Prepare administrative forms and supporting documentation as needed

Employee & Participant Communications

• Draft and review participant-facing materials, including SPDs, SMMs, Plan Highlights, FAQs, and required notices
• Ensure all communications meet ERISA disclosure requirements and are clear, accurate, and easy to understand
• Advise on timing, delivery, and content of required participant notices (e.g., safe harbor, QDIA, automatic enrollment, blackout notices)
• Ensure alignment between plan documents and participant communications

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in retirement plan administration, consulting, or a related field (TPA, recordkeeper, CPA firm, law firm, or financial services organization)
• Deep experience drafting and reviewing retirement plan documents, including pre-approved and individually designed plans
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury regulations, IRS guidance, and DOL requirements
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
• Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational abilities
• Proven research skills with the ability to interpret and apply complex regulations
• Ability to work independently, identify key issues, and drive solutions with minimal direction
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Familiarity with document automation tools is a plus

Our Value-Driven Employee Experience

• Flexible Workplace – Hybrid and remote options available for many roles.
• Flexible PTO – Competitive paid time off, including flexible & unlimited options.
• Inclusive Environment – A culture that values diversity, collaboration, and respect.
• Growth Opportunities – Support for ongoing learning and career development.
• Comprehensive Benefits – Health, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
• Workplace Perks – Incentive bonus programs, flexible hours, & more.

Specific benefits and programs may vary by partner and position.