US In-House Employee Benefits Counsel (Part Time)

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative, and diverse firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Benefits department in our Chicago, Washington D.C. or New York office as a Part Time US In-House Employee Benefits Counsel.

The US In-House Employee Benefits Counsel works with U.S. Benefits and Well-Being team and Firm leadership to design, implement, administer and conduct legal review all Health and Welfare, Cash Balance Plan, 401(k) Plan, Partner Unfunded Plan, Health and Disability plans, Leave of Absence plans, along with associated legal regulations.

Essential Functions:

• Advise, as applicable, on Internal Revenue Code qualification requirements and requirements of ERISA, Affordable Care Act, COBRA and HIPAA, and other applicable law, with respect to Cash Balance plans, 401(k) plans, Partner Unfunded Plan and all Health and Welfare Plans
• Draft and Review Summary Plan Descriptions
• Draft and Review Administrative Services Agreements
• Review Plan communications to participants, legal posting notices, as required from U.S. Benefits team
• Draft Plan amendments and related resolutions as needed
• Advise on tax issues related to all types of Retirement and Health and Welfare plans
• Work with the Firm’s Investment Committee and Administrative Investment Committee, along with Recordkeeper, Actuaries and Auditors
• Work with the Firm’s Health and Welfare Committee
• Update Firm leadership and HR on developments in the law related to all types of retirement and health welfare plans, including those that pose possible compliance issues, as well as those that present opportunities for improved design, tax effects, etc.
• Partner with U.S. Benefits, and other Firm Erisa attorneys on the development of significant design changes
• Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives

Education/Training/Certifications:

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school in U.S., required
• Admission as a current member in good standing of a State Bar where the position is to be located, required

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience as attorney with retirement and welfare benefit plans, required
• Thorough understanding of tax and ERISA requirements applicable to such plans, and familiarity with federal   regulatory agencies, required

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required

Performance Traits: 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment
• Ability to meet deadlines with shifting priorities
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Creative problem-solving ability with a focus on achieving business-friendly solutions while managing risk
• Solid commercial judgment, including the ability to anticipate, analyze, and make recommendations
• Willingness to take ownership and responsibility for making legal decisions
• Able to proactively identify and escalate potential legal and business risks to colleagues in the organization and craft effective solutions

Physical Requirements:

• May require travel to other offices as needed

The typical New York pay scale for this position is between $150,000 and $180,000, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate’s education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified. 

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401 (k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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