Senior ERISA Benefits Counsel - US Programs & Strategy

Cisco; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 192,000 - 244,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Cisco is seeking an experienced attorney to lead the US Benefits and ERISA legal program. You will craft a strategic framework that enables Cisco to offer comprehensive health, retirement, and welfare programs while navigating fiduciary duties.

You will advise on plan documentation, vendor agreements, and compliance, and lead benefit-related litigation strategies. This role involves cross-functional collaboration with HR, Finance, and Global Benefits teams to address evolving regulatory

Qualifications

• Must have a JD from an accredited law school with a strong academic record.
• Active membership in good standing of at least one US State Bar.
• At least 7 years of ERISA and US benefits law experience in a major law firm or corporate legal department.
• Proven track record in benefits litigation and navigating sophisticated ERISA compliance issues.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal architect for Cisco’s US Benefits programs.
• Navigate ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, providing fiduciary counseling to plan committees.
• Advise and support on plan administration, filings, and SPDs, and review vendor agreements.
• Lead the legal strategy for benefits-related litigation and regulatory compliance.
• Drive due diligence and integration for mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures affecting benefits.
• Interpret new regulations (SECURE Act 2.0, state retirement/leave laws) for Cisco.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on broader employment law initiatives.

Skills

US State Bar

ERISA/Benefits law

Benefits litigation

Policy interpretation

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Job description

Cisco is seeking an experienced attorney to lead the US Benefits and ERISA legal program. You will craft a strategic framework that enables Cisco to offer comprehensive health, retirement, and welfare programs while navigating fiduciary duties.

You will advise on plan documentation, vendor agreements, and compliance, and lead benefit-related litigation strategies. This role involves cross-functional collaboration with HR, Finance, and Global Benefits teams to address evolving regulatory