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Benefits Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct Counsel

Employee Benefits Associate

Chicago, IL

$225K - $310K/yr

This is an outstanding opportunity for attorneys interested in advising clients on complex employee benefits, retirement plans, healthcare compliance, and benefits-related aspects of corporate ...

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$67.5K

$146.2K

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How much do benefits attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for benefits attorney in the United States is $146,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $180,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Benefits Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Benefits Attorney, you need a deep understanding of employee benefits law, ERISA regulations, and typically a Juris Doctor (JD) with bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis and experience drafting plan documents or compliance filings are crucial. Excellent analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and strong written and verbal communication help you effectively advise clients and resolve disputes. These skills are critical for navigating complex regulations, minimizing legal risks, and ensuring clients remain compliant with benefits laws.

What are some common challenges Benefits Attorneys face when navigating complex employee benefits regulations?

Benefits Attorneys often encounter challenges in keeping up with rapidly changing federal and state regulations, such as ERISA, HIPAA, and the Affordable Care Act. Interpreting these complex laws for clients and ensuring ongoing compliance can be demanding, especially as new guidance is frequently issued by regulatory agencies. Additionally, Benefits Attorneys must collaborate closely with HR teams, plan administrators, and other legal professionals to resolve disputes and implement effective benefit strategies. Staying proactive and detail-oriented is essential to address these evolving legal requirements and protect clients' interests.

What is a Benefits Attorney?

A Benefits Attorney is a lawyer who specializes in laws and regulations related to employee benefits, such as retirement plans, health insurance, disability benefits, and other workplace compensation programs. They advise employers on compliance with federal and state benefits laws like ERISA, represent clients in disputes over benefits, and help design benefit plans. Benefits Attorneys may also assist individuals seeking to claim or appeal denied benefits. Their expertise ensures that benefit programs are legally compliant and that employees receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

What is the difference between Benefits Attorney vs Employee Benefits Specialist?

AspectBenefits AttorneyEmployee Benefits Specialist
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionBachelor's degree, certifications like CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist)
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesHuman resources departments, consulting firms, corporate settings
Primary FocusLegal compliance, drafting benefit plans, advising on benefits lawAdministering benefits programs, employee communication, benefits enrollment

Benefits Attorneys focus on legal aspects of employee benefits, ensuring compliance and drafting plans, while Employee Benefits Specialists handle the administration and communication of benefits programs. Both roles require knowledge of benefits laws, but Benefits Attorneys are more legally oriented, whereas Benefits Specialists focus on day-to-day benefits management.

More about Benefits Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Benefits Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Benefits Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Benefits Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Benefits Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Benefits Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Benefits Attorney jobs are:
Benefits Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Benefits Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Locum Tenens, 46% As Needed, 36% Full Time, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,214 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Employee Benefits Associate

Direct Counsel

Chicago, IL

$225K - $310K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employee Benefits Associate with 1–4 years of experience to join a premier Employee Benefits and ERISA practice. This is an outstanding opportunity for attorneys interested in advising clients on complex employee benefits, retirement plans, healthcare compliance, and benefits-related aspects of corporate transactions and restructurings.

The ideal candidate will have experience with ERISA and employee benefits matters and a strong interest in developing deep subject matter expertise in this highly specialized and growing area of law.

Responsibilities
  • Advise clients on ERISA and employee benefits compliance matters
  • Counsel employers regarding qualified retirement plans, multiemployer pension plans, health and welfare plans, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements
  • Support mergers, acquisitions, private equity transactions, restructurings, and other corporate transactions involving employee benefits issues
  • Conduct benefits-related due diligence and assist with transaction structuring
  • Analyze and advise on retirement plan, healthcare, and employee benefit compliance matters
  • Draft and review benefits-related plan documents, agreements, and compliance materials
  • Collaborate with attorneys across corporate, tax, labor, restructuring, and executive compensation practices
Qualifications
  • 1–4 years of experience in ERISA, employee benefits, tax, labor and employment, or related practice areas
  • Experience with qualified plans, multiemployer pension plans, health and welfare plans, and ACA compliance preferred
  • M&A and/or restructuring experience involving employee benefits issues is strongly preferred
  • Background in related areas such as tax, labor, benefits consulting, or accounting will be considered
  • Executive compensation experience is helpful but not required
  • Excellent analytical, research, drafting, and communication skills
  • Outstanding academic credentials and attention to detail
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary range: $225,000 – $310,000
  • Competitive bonus opportunities
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • Retirement and savings plan options
  • Opportunity to work alongside leading ERISA and employee benefits attorneys on sophisticated transactional and compliance matters

This opportunity offers exceptional training, mentorship, and the ability to develop specialized expertise in one of the most technically sophisticated and in-demand areas of legal practice.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through Direct Counsel.