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Employee Benefits Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

W3Global Inc.

Employee Benefits Attorney

CT · On-site +1

$180K - $250K/yr

We are a mid-sized Connecticut law firm, seeks an experienced employee benefits attorney to join a well-established employee benefits practice, with a tremendous opportunity for long-term growth.

SHER Legal Solutions

Employee Benefits Attorney

Hartford, CT · On-site

$180K - $280K/yr

... Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation department. This is a full-time and direct-hire replacement opening for an attorney to take over a retiring Partner's established book of business within 1 ...

Jackson Lewis

Employee Benefits Attorney

New York, NY

$216K - $279K/yr

S. News - Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms". This position can sit in our NYC, Baltimore or Houston location. The ideal candidate will have 4+ years of experience in employee benefits, including ...

Jackson Lewis

Employee Benefits Attorney

Baltimore, MD

$216K - $279K/yr

S. News - Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms". This position can sit in our NYC, Baltimore or Houston location. The ideal candidate will have 4+ years of experience in employee benefits, including ...

Jackson Lewis

Employee Benefits Attorney

Houston, TX

$216K - $279K/yr

S. News - Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms". This position can sit in our NYC, Baltimore or Houston location. The ideal candidate will have 4+ years of experience in employee benefits, including ...

Talent Search PRO

Employee Benefits Attorney

Albany, NY · On-site

$139K - $192K/yr

We need someone with 4-10 years of substantive employee benefits experience at a law firm, with a primary focus on the retirement / ERISA side -- qualified plans, 401(k), pension, deferred ...

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All JobsEmployee Benefits Attorney Jobs

Employee Benefits Attorney information

See salary details

$67.5K

$146.2K

$200K

How much do employee benefits attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for employee 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 kind of lawyer gets paid the most money?

Corporate lawyers, especially those specializing in mergers and acquisitions, securities, or intellectual property, tend to earn the highest salaries among legal professionals. Experienced attorneys in large firms or those working in high-stakes industries often command six-figure or higher compensation, particularly with advanced certifications and a strong client base.

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

To thrive as an Employee Benefits Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, active bar admission, and deep knowledge of ERISA, tax law, and employee benefits regulations. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis) and specialized compliance software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting complex laws and advising clients. Mastery of these skills ensures accurate legal counsel, minimizes risk, and helps organizations maintain compliance with intricate benefits regulations.

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

AspectEmployee Benefits Attorney

Employee Benefits Attorneys focus on legal compliance, drafting benefit plans, and advising employers on ERISA and tax laws. They typically hold law degrees and bar admissions, working in law firms or corporate legal departments. Employee Benefits Specialists, on the other hand, implement and manage employee benefit programs, often with backgrounds in HR or benefits administration, working directly within companies or benefits providers. While both roles involve employee benefits, attorneys primarily handle legal aspects, whereas specialists focus on program administration and employee communication.

Which field of lawyer makes the most money?

Corporate lawyers, especially those working in mergers and acquisitions or securities law, tend to earn the highest salaries among legal specialties. Senior partners at large law firms and those with specialized skills in finance or intellectual property can also achieve top compensation levels. Salary varies based on experience, location, and firm size.

What are employee benefits attorneys?

Employee benefits attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in advising employers, employees, and plan administrators on matters related to employee benefit plans, such as retirement plans, health insurance, and other compensation and welfare programs. They help ensure that benefit plans comply with complex federal and state regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Additionally, these attorneys may represent clients in disputes involving benefits, assist with plan design, and address issues related to mergers and acquisitions. Their expertise is vital to navigating the legal landscape of employee benefits and avoiding costly compliance errors.

What are some typical challenges an Employee Benefits Attorney faces when advising clients on compliance matters?

Employee Benefits Attorneys often encounter challenges such as keeping up with frequently changing regulations under laws like ERISA, the Affordable Care Act, and IRS guidelines. They must carefully interpret complex legal requirements to help clients avoid costly compliance errors. Additionally, they frequently coordinate with HR professionals, accountants, and plan administrators to ensure all aspects of employee benefit plans are properly documented and operated. Navigating these complexities requires strong communication skills and attention to detail, as clients rely on their attorney to guide them through both routine compliance and unexpected legal issues.

What Is an Employee Benefits Attorney?

An employee benefits attorney counsels employers on different benefit plan options and ensures compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, a federal law also known as ERISA. As a lawyer in this type of law practice, responsibilities involve assisting HR with the development, implementation, and compliance of all pension, health, and disability plans. They also advise clients on other labor laws as well as executive benefits, addressing concerns surrounding equity-based compensation, bonuses, and supplemental retirement. An employee benefits attorney typically works for a law firm or in-house.

What to do if I don't want to be a lawyer anymore?

An Employee Benefits Attorney can transition to other legal or non-legal roles by leveraging their knowledge of employment law, benefits, and compliance. They may pursue careers in human resources, compliance, consulting, or related fields, often requiring additional certifications or training depending on the new role. Networking and updating their skills can facilitate a smooth career change.

What do employee benefits attorneys do?

Employee benefits attorneys advise employers and plan administrators on the design, implementation, and compliance of employee benefit programs such as retirement plans, health insurance, and other fringe benefits. They ensure these programs adhere to federal and state laws, including ERISA and the Affordable Care Act, and often review plan documents, handle regulatory filings, and address legal disputes related to benefits. Strong knowledge of employment law, regulatory frameworks, and excellent analytical skills are essential in this role.
More about Employee Benefits Attorney jobs
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Employee Benefits Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Employee Benefits Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,214 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

ERISA & Employee Benefits Attorney

Eden Rose

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title: ERISA & Employee Benefits Attorney
Location: Remote / Hybrid
Basic Salary: DOE + Bonus + Benefits
Firm:
National law firm seeking an experienced ERISA & Employee Benefits Attorney to join its growing practice, advising employer clients on sophisticated employee benefits, ERISA, and workplace advisory matters.
Requirements:
  • 7+ years' experience in ERISA and Employee Benefits law.
  • Experience advising employers on employee benefits, ERISA compliance, fiduciary responsibilities, and plan design and administration.
  • Experience counselling employers on regulatory compliance and benefits matters arising in both corporate and contentious matters.
  • Ability to provide strategic advice to employer clients on a broad range of workplace issues.
  • Prior law firm experience with strong client advisory skills.

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary (DOE).
  • Annual bonus and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Remote or hybrid working arrangements.
  • Opportunity to join a nationally recognised platform with high-quality employer clients.
  • Sophisticated, complex ERISA and employee benefits work.
  • Clear long-term career progression and business development opportunities.

Apply