Benefits Associate
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a Mid-level Associate Attorney to join our Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group in any of our offices. The ideal candidate has three to five years of benefits experience in private practice, with a focus on qualified retirement plans, health & welfare plans, and executive & deferred compensation arrangements. Supporting benefits and compensation in M&A, ERISA litigation, and withdrawal liability experience is a plus.
About the Role
Our Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group is regarded as one of the most sophisticated, full-service benefits practices, serving clients nationally and globally. The team handles the complete spectrum of benefit and compensation issues and has advised on cutting-edge benefits developments that have impacted national policy. Clients include some of the most recognizable and iconic brands in the world.
The associate will work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment and must be detail-oriented with excellent writing, oral advocacy, communication, and legal analysis skills.
Responsibilities
- Advise on qualified retirement plans, health & welfare plans, and executive & deferred compensation arrangements
- Support benefits and compensation matters in M&A transactions
- Handle ERISA litigation and withdrawal liability issues
- Work collaboratively in a team environment
- Provide legal analysis and develop innovative solutions to complex problems
Requirements
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
- Excellent academic credentials
- Three to five years of employment benefits experience in private practice
- Valid authorization to work in the U.S.
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with discretion
- Professionalism and good judgment
- Adaptability to learn new skills and embrace evolving best practices
- Ability to work independently as well as effectively within a team
- Experience developing relationships and fostering teamwork
Location
This position is available in any of our offices: Wisconsin (Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha), Illinois (Chicago), Utah (Salt Lake City), Colorado (Denver, Broomfield), Texas (Austin), North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington), California (Los Angeles), Nebraska (Lincoln), and Washington D.C. Our contemporary office spaces support both concentration and collaboration.
Flexible remote work policy allows working remotely up to 2.5 days per week.
Benefits
- Competitive base pay
- Outstanding benefits, including medical, dental, and vision care
- Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Wellness program and Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Unlimited PTO plus 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Short-term and long-term disability plans
- Life insurance and critical illness insurance
- Parental/family leave
- Performance recognition and bonuses
- ABA, state, and local bar membership fee reimbursement
- Bar exam/bar review course reimbursement
- Mentorship program and specialized training opportunities
- Career development planning and professional growth opportunities
Pay
For California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois applicants, the annual compensation range is $185,000 to $245,000. Final compensation will depend on experience, skills, and internal equity. Eligible for participation in the firm’s bonus program.