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Benefits Attorney information

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$67.5K

$146.2K

$200K

How much do benefits attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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

Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits Associate Attorney

Aligned Talent Acquisition

Dallas, TX • On-site

$235K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Dallas | Hybrid

Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits Associate AttorneyAmLaw 50 OpportunityCompensation

$235,000 – $390,000

A premier international law firm is seeking an Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits Associate Attorney to join its Dallas office.

This opportunity is ideal for an attorney interested in advising public and private companies, private equity sponsors, and executives on sophisticated executive compensation, incentive compensation, and employee benefits matters.

Ideal Background

• Attorneys in law school classes 2020–2024 are encouraged to apply

• Experience with executive compensation, employee benefits, ERISA, or corporate transactional matters gained at a sophisticated law firm

• Experience advising clients regarding executive compensation arrangements, equity compensation, and incentive compensation programs

• Experience drafting and negotiating employment agreements, equity award agreements, deferred compensation arrangements, severance agreements, and related compensation documentation

• Experience advising clients on equity incentive plans, stock option plans, restricted stock units, and other incentive compensation arrangements

• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions involving compensation and benefits issues is preferred

• Experience advising clients regarding ERISA, qualified retirement plans, and employee benefits compliance is a plus

• Strong drafting, analytical, organizational, and communication skills

• Ability to manage sophisticated matters while working directly with clients and transaction teams

• Excellent academic credentials

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school required

• Texas bar admission required or ability to become admitted

Why This Opportunity

Sophisticated global executive compensation and employee benefits platform

Significant exposure to executive compensation and equity incentive matters

Opportunity to work on both transactional and advisory matters

Significant client interaction and responsibility

Strong mentorship and professional development

Collaborative AmLaw 50 environment

Interested?

Aligned Talent Acquisition is currently working with firms seeking talented attorneys with this type of background.

Even if you're not actively looking or aren't sure this opportunity is the right fit, let's connect for a confidential conversation. Many attorneys find it helpful to understand what opportunities are available and how the current market compares before they begin considering a move.

I'm happy to provide additional information regarding compensation, billable expectations, partnership track, and how this opportunity compares to others currently on the market.

Confidential inquiries are always welcome.

Devney Ayers
Director of Legal Recruiting
Aligned Talent Acquisition

devney@alignedtalentacquisition.com
(216) 710-5174