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Employee Benefits Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aegon

Senior Counsel - Employee Benefits

Philadelphia, PA · On-site +1

$140K - $191K/yr

The position will primarily support the company's Employee Benefits division that focuses on ... Research, counsel, and draft recommendations addressing unique regulatory challenges such as state ...

Aegon

Senior Counsel - Employee Benefits

Baltimore, MD · On-site +1

$138K - $188K/yr

The position will primarily support the company's Employee Benefits division that focuses on ... Research, counsel, and draft recommendations addressing unique regulatory challenges such as state ...

Aegon

Senior Counsel - Employee Benefits

$142K - $194K/yr

The position will primarily support the company's Employee Benefits division that focuses on ... Research, counsel, and draft recommendations addressing unique regulatory challenges such as state ...

Aegon

Senior Counsel - Employee Benefits

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site +1

$136K - $185K/yr

The position will primarily support the company's Employee Benefits division that focuses on ... Research, counsel, and draft recommendations addressing unique regulatory challenges such as state ...

Jobtailor

Senior Counsel - Employee Benefits

Iowa, LA · On-site

$140 - $220/hr

... Employee Benefits division. * Prepare, review, and negotiate legal contracts, documents, and ... Research, counsel, and draft recommendations addressing unique regulatory challenges such as ...

Aegon

Senior Counsel - Employee Benefits

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$143K - $195K/yr

The position will primarily support the company's Employee Benefits division that focuses on ... Research, counsel, and draft recommendations addressing unique regulatory challenges such as state ...

Talent Search PRO

Employee Benefits Attorney

Rochester, NY · On-site

$139K - $192K/yr

We need someone with 4-10 years of substantive employee benefits experience at a law firm, with a ... Counsel clients on nonqualified deferred compensation (409A), executive compensation arrangements ...

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 ... Counseling plan sponsors, fiduciaries and other plan professionals on compliance requirements and ...

Talent Search PRO

Employee Benefits Attorney

Buffalo, NY

$139K - $192K/yr

We need someone with 4-10 years of substantive employee benefits experience at a law firm, with a ... Counsel clients on nonqualified deferred compensation (409A), executive compensation arrangements ...

Talent Search PRO

Employee Benefits Attorney

Albany, NY

$139K - $192K/yr

We need someone with 4-10 years of substantive employee benefits experience at a law firm, with a ... Counsel clients on nonqualified deferred compensation (409A), executive compensation arrangements ...

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All JobsEmployee Benefits Counsel Jobs

Employee Benefits Counsel information

See salary details

$79.5K

$157.4K

$212.5K

How much do employee benefits counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for employee benefits counsel in the United States is $157,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,000.00 and $183,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an employee benefits counsel?

Employee Benefits Counsel are specialized attorneys who provide legal advice and guidance on employer-sponsored benefit plans, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee perks. They help organizations comply with federal and state regulations, like ERISA and the Affordable Care Act, and assist in designing and administering benefits programs. Their expertise ensures that companies manage benefits legally and efficiently, while also minimizing risk and addressing employee concerns related to benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an employee benefits counsel?

To thrive as an Employee Benefits Counsel, a deep understanding of ERISA, tax law, and employee benefits regulations is essential, typically supported by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and bar admission. Familiarity with legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience drafting plan documents or compliance filings, are crucial technical aspects of the role. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to both clients and colleagues distinguish top performers. These competencies ensure accurate guidance, minimize legal risks, and help organizations maintain compliance with evolving benefits laws.

What are the typical challenges faced by an employee benefits counsel when navigating regulatory changes?

Employee Benefits Counsel often encounter challenges in keeping up with frequently changing federal and state regulations, such as those related to ERISA, the Affordable Care Act, and IRS guidelines. Interpreting these evolving rules and ensuring benefits plans remain compliant requires ongoing education and close collaboration with HR, legal, and finance teams. Additionally, Counsel must effectively communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making and mitigate risk.

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

AspectEmployee Benefits CounselEmployee Benefits Specialist
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionBachelor's degree, HR or benefits certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, corporate legal departments, consulting firmsHR departments, benefits administration teams, insurance companies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal advisory roles in corporations, law firms, consultingHR and benefits administration in various industries
Common Search & Comparison IntentLegal expertise in benefits law, compliance, and negotiationsBenefits program management, employee communication, and administration

While both roles focus on employee benefits, Employee Benefits Counsel primarily provides legal advice on benefits compliance and negotiations, requiring legal credentials. In contrast, Employee Benefits Specialists handle benefits administration and employee communication, often with HR or benefits certifications. The roles differ in their focus—legal versus administrative—yet both are essential in managing employee benefits programs effectively.

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What cities are hiring for Employee Benefits Counsel jobs?

Cities with the most Employee Benefits Counsel job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Employee Benefits Counsel jobs?

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What states have the most Employee Benefits Counsel jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Employee Benefits Counsel jobs are:

Employee Benefits Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Employee Benefits Counsel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,356 per year, or $75.7 per hour.

Senior ERISA & Employee Benefits Counsel (Malvern)

Malvern, PA • On-site

The Vanguard Group

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 152 rated financial services

Good employer

Recommended by students

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Learn more about The Vanguard Groupexternal

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Vanguard, a leading financial services company, seeks an employee benefits attorney for its HR Legal Services group in Malvern. The role provides proactive legal advice on U.S.

and global employee benefits programs, including executive compensation and welfare plans, partnering with HR leaders and finance teams. You will counsel HR clients, supervise outside counsel, and stay abreast of ERISA, tax, and regulatory developments.

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