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Employee Benefits Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orion Placement

ERISA Benefits Attorney

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Work directly with experienced attorneys on sophisticated ERISA, employee benefits, labor, and employment matters. * Build meaningful client relationships with labor unions, benefit funds, and ...

Axiom Talent Platform

ERISA/Employee Benefits Lawyer

OR · On-site +1

$309K/yr

We are seeking Employee Benefits/ERISA Lawyers to work hybrid or remotely with our clients in the ... The estimated total compensation for full-time Axiom attorney roles is $104,500-325,000 per year ...

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Employee Benefits Attorney information

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$67.5K

$146.2K

$200K

How much do employee benefits attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 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 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 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 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.

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What states have the most Employee Benefits Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Employee Benefits Attorney jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Employee Benefits Attorney jobs look for?

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What are popular job titles related to 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,214 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate Attorney

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate Attorney to join a prestigious global law firm's Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice in Pittsburgh. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior associate with 1–3 years of ERISA and employee benefits experience who is looking to build a sophisticated practice advising clients on employee benefits, executive compensation, and ERISA compliance matters.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative team representing employers across a broad range of employee benefits issues, including health and welfare plans, qualified retirement plans, executive compensation, and transactional matters.

Responsibilities
  • Advise clients on a wide variety of ERISA and employee benefits matters.
  • Draft and revise health and welfare plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and related employee benefits materials.
  • Counsel clients regarding compliance with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and other applicable employee benefits laws.
  • Assist with qualified retirement plans and executive compensation arrangements.
  • Support employee benefits aspects of corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and other business reorganizations.
  • Manage ongoing client relationships and provide practical legal guidance on day-to-day employee benefits issues.
  • Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, client communications, and other written work product.
  • Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice areas to support complex client matters.
Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
  • Active Pennsylvania bar admission and good standing.
  • 1–3 years of experience practicing in ERISA and employee benefits law.
  • Experience advising on health and welfare plans, tax-qualified retirement plans, executive compensation, and transactional employee benefits matters.
  • Excellent legal drafting, analytical, and research skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Commitment to outstanding client service and professional excellence.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, paid time off, and additional firm-sponsored benefits.
  • Opportunity to work alongside experienced employee benefits attorneys on sophisticated matters for a diverse client base.
  • Collaborative environment with excellent mentorship, professional development, and long-term career advancement opportunities.