ERISA/Employee Benefits Lawyer

<p>We are seeking <strong>Employee Benefits/ERISA Lawyers</strong> to work hybrid or remotely with our clients in the financial services, luxury retail, food/beverage, technology, and life sciences industries, with a primary focus on <strong>health and welfare plans</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Advise on the design, implementation, and administration of <strong>health and welfare benefit plans</strong>, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, wellness, cafeteria plans, and FSAs/HSAs/HRAs.</li> <li>Counsel clients on compliance with <strong>ERISA, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), COBRA, HIPAA, MHPAEA</strong>, and related federal and state laws affecting group health plans.</li> <li>Draft, review, and update <strong>plan documents, SPDs, SBCs, required notices, and employee communications</strong> for health and welfare plans.</li> <li>Advise on <strong>plan governance and fiduciary compliance</strong>, including oversight structures, committee practices, and documentation.</li> <li>Handle <strong>vendor and service provider agreements</strong> for health and welfare plans (e.g., TPAs, PBMs, stop‑loss carriers, wellness vendors, networks, consultants), including reviewing and negotiating terms.</li> <li>Support clients in responding to <strong>claims, appeals, audits, and inquiries</strong> (e.g., DOL, IRS, HHS, state insurance departments) related to health and welfare benefits.</li> <li>Conduct <strong>benefits‑related due diligence</strong> in M&A transactions, focusing on health and welfare plans, and advise on integration, transition, or termination of plans.</li> <li>Monitor and interpret <strong>regulatory developments and guidance</strong> affecting group health plans and translate them into practical, business‑oriented advice and implementation steps.</li> <li>Partner with HR, benefits, legal, and finance teams to develop and implement <strong>compliant, employee‑friendly benefits strategies</strong> across multiple industries.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Minimum of three years of relevant legal practice experience in <strong>employee benefits/ERISA law</strong>, with a strong focus on <strong>health and welfare plans</strong>.</li> <li>Strong understanding of <strong>ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, MHPAEA</strong>, and other federal and state regulations impacting group health plans.</li> <li>Experience with <strong>ERISA plan governance requirements</strong>, including drafting and maintaining plan documents, SPDs, and required notices, and advising on fiduciary processes for health and welfare plans.</li> <li>Experience reviewing <strong>M&A due diligence</strong> and advising on health and welfare plan issues in corporate transactions.</li> <li>Experience negotiating and managing <strong>health and welfare vendor contracts</strong> (TPAs, PBMs, stop‑loss, wellness, networks, consultants).</li> <li>Excellent <strong>analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills</strong>, with the ability to explain complex benefits rules in clear, practical terms.</li> <li>Efficient multitasker with strong <strong>interpersonal skills</strong> and the ability to work both independently and <strong>cross‑functionally</strong> with HR, benefits, finance, and legal teams.</