Senior Counsel

KeyCorp; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 116,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

KeyCorp seeks an experienced employment attorney in Cleveland to advise on benefits, compensation, and related regulatory matters. The role involves ERISA governance, internal audits, and drafting authoritative employment documents, with interaction across the Key Legal team.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of employment law, familiarity with ERISA plans and regulatory compliance, and strong writing and analytical skills in a fast-paced financial services environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, Juris Doctor and Ohio State Bar Admission are required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in employment law with ERISA familiarity preferred.
• Knowledge of financial services law and compensation/bens regulations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal support on benefits and compensation matters.
• Assist with ERISA plan governance and fiduciary requirements.
• Draft documentation on compensation, benefits, and employment topics.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and manage budgets.

Skills

Employment law

ERISA knowledge

Wage & hour compliance

Contract drafting

Litigation support

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Active Ohio Bar Admission

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Location:127 Public Square, Cleveland OhioKeyBank National Association is seeking an experienced attorney to join Key Legal’s Employment Law Section. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience and familiarity with ERISA retirement and health & welfare plans, cafeteria plans, executive compensation arrangements, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and agency audits. Knowledge of Financial Services Law, incentive compensation, wage and hour laws, minimum wage laws, employment litigation, and other employment federal/state laws is preferred, but not required.The location for this position is Cleveland, Ohio. This is not a remote position. In office attendance is required.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSProvide comprehensive legal support and advice regarding Key’s benefits and compensation arrangementsPerform due diligence and provide other legal support as needed in connection with corporate transactionsAssist with governance of ERISA plan design and fiduciary requirementsAssist with internal and regulatory audits of compensation and benefits plans, programs and policiesContinual development of proficiency with laws and regulations impacting employee benefits and compensationDrafting various legal documents related to compensation, benefits and employment generallyAssist with legal counseling on various employment mattersAssist with management of employment charges, lawsuits and arbitrationsRetention, management and coordination of outside counsel, including budgetsCoordinating and assisting with other Key Legal line of business support attorneys and clientsPursues an understanding of business, regulatory environment and employment laws and regulations through experience and training opportunitiesConsults on more complex matters with supervisionDevelops ability to anticipate client needs based on understanding of business and regulatory environmentProactively escalates issues within Key Legal as appropriateActively participates in other daily tasks of Key Legal as neededEDUCATION QUALIFICATIONSRequired - Bachelor’s Degree, Juris Doctor Degree, and Active Ohio State Bar AdmissionEXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONSMinimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience and familiarity with ERISA retirement and health & welfare plans, cafeteria plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and agency audits. Knowledge of Financial Services Law, executive compensation, incentive compensation, wage and hour laws, minimum wage laws, employment litigation, and other employment federal/state laws is preferred, but not required.TACTICAL SKILLSAbility to collaborate with other employment law team mates to provide comprehensive support to the human resources function of a large, publicly traded financial institutionDemonstrated experience in areas relevant to compensation and benefits arrangementsProven comfort level/ experience collaborating with professionals and managementAbility to think creatively and offer solutions to complex legal issuesAbility to influence others through growing business acumen and technical knowledgeWorking knowledge of banking industryAbility to honor commitments, accept responsibility, demonstrate open and honest communication, respect the perspectives of others, and meet high ethical standardsExcellent writing, analytical, and communication skillsStrong organization and planning skills, must manage multiple matters, track information, and prioritze timeWillingness to learn new areas of the law, acquire new skills, and take on additional and/or new responsibilities as neededAbility to work in a fast-paced environment and on multiple and varied projects simultaneouslyContributes to a culture of growth and development within the team by providing mentorship, guidance, and support to junior attorneysCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITSThis position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $116,000.00 - $216,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.Job Posting Expiration Date: 08/30/2026 KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [e-mail].#LI-Hybrid