What Is an ERISA Attorney and How to Become One
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What Does an ERISA Attorney Do?
As an ERISA attorney, your responsibilities are to understand how the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) impacts benefits for employees and help your clients remain in compliance with ERISA and related laws and regulations. Your job duties include drafting plan documents and amendments for pension and health insurance benefits and protecting your clients from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Department of Labor. Lawyers can also represent employees claiming benefits under ERISA. The qualifications for a career as an ERISA attorney include a law degree, experience with the health insurance industry, and strong research and writing skills.
How to Become an ERISA Attorney
To become an Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) attorney, you must graduate law school and pass the bar to become a practicing lawyer. You assist employees and employers in understanding their retirement benefits and protect their rights by handling legal duties. Because your responsibilities as an ERISA attorney focus on retirement, you need to be familiar with the laws regarding 401Ks, pensions, profit sharing, stock plans, and other related topics. Additional qualifications include experience with qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, an understanding of health and welfare plans, and strong communication skills.
