Senior Counsel – Employee Benefits
Our client, a large Midwestern electric utility, is seeking an experienced Employee Benefits Attorney to join its in-house legal team. This role focuses on providing strategic legal guidance on employee benefit and compensation matters while ensuring compliance with complex federal regulations.
The position will be based on-site at the company’s headquarters in Columbus, Ohio and is designed for attorneys with significant experience advising on ERISA and tax-qualified benefit plans. Please note - this company has adopted a 5-days a week in-office attendance policy. Remote or hybrid work is not permitted. Relocation assistance is available.
Why work here?
- A large, stable electric utility with a strong reputation in the energy industry
- Opportunity to work closely with HR, finance, and executive leadership on strategic benefits initiatives
- Competitive compensation and incentives, including short-term and long-term incentive programs
- Comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans and pension
- A collaborative in-house legal environment where attorneys can influence company policy and strategy
What you’ll do:
- Advise on the design, implementation, and administration of employee benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retiree benefits, and defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans
- Provide legal guidance on incentive compensation programs, including annual and long-term incentive plans
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws including ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, HIPAA, COBRA, the Affordable Care Act, and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act
- Draft and review plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and related benefits materials
- Conduct legal research and monitor developments in employee benefits and related tax law
- Provide training and guidance to HR and management regarding employee benefits matters and employee inquiries
- Assist in resolving disputes and manage litigation involving employee benefit plans
- Coordinate with outside counsel as needed
- Participate in benefits strategy discussions and policy development
What you will need:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited U.S. law school
- 7+ years of legal experience (more senior candidates with 9+ years encouraged to apply)
- Strong background in employee benefits law, including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code
- Experience advising on retirement plans, welfare benefit plans, and executive compensation programs
- Experience in a law firm or corporate legal department, preferably within the energy or utility sector
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with HR, finance, and executive leadership
Base Salary range is between $155,000 and $237,000, with incentive compensation available as well.
If you are interested in learning more, please schedule a time to call using the link below.
https://calendly.com/jcoffey-variant/30min