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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.

Jackson Lewis

Employee Benefits Attorney

New York, NY · On-site

$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 ...

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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 27, 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 12% Locum Tenens, 72% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,214 per year, or $70.3 per hour.
Employee Benefits Attorney

Employee Benefits Attorney

W3Global Inc.

CT • On-site, Remote

$180K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

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. Recognized as a 2026 Best Places to Work by the Hartford Business Journal, our firm is known for its collaborative culture, commitment to professional development, and dedication to delivering exceptional client service. Our firm has a flexible work from home policy. Relocation to Connecticut not required.

Type of experience sought

  • Designing, drafting, and maintaining compliance for defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, employee stock ownership plans, employee welfare plans, cafeteria plans and executive compensation plans.

  • Counseling plan sponsors, fiduciaries and other plan professionals on compliance requirements and fiduciary best practices, including plan governance and administration.

  • Conducting research and analysis on all applicable laws related to employee benefit plans, including ERISA, IRC, Affordable Care Act, COBRA, and HIPAA.

  • Experience with IRC Section 409A, governmental benefit plans, 401(k) plans, and/or benefits related issues in corporate transactions is a plus.

Requirements

  • JD from an accredited law school

  • Active bar admission in any US jurisdiction is required; CT admission preferred but not required

Benefits

  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

  • Life insurance, Disability insurance and EAP coverage

  • PTO, Paid Holidays, Sick Time, Bereavement and Parental leave

  • 401(k) plan with employer contributions (Traditional and Roth options available)

  • Competitive compensation commensurate with level of experience

  • Opportunities for career advancement

We are a equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity

W3Global logo

About W3Global

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs. As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

2006

View All W3Global Jobs