1

Erisa Attorney Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Personal Injury Trial Attorney

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$115 - $145/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... death, and ERISA disability claims. We run a team-based model -- every case gets the full firm ... Are You The Attorney we are looking for? You are an experienced lawyer who has spent real time in ...

Pre-Litigation Paralegal

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

... ERISA, and other liens. * Prepare comprehensive demand packages, including medical summaries, treatment timelines, wage loss documentation, and supporting evidence. * Assist attorneys with case ...

Associate General Counsel, Labor & Employment

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$156K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers in a clear and concise manner * Ability to ... Preferred: in-house counsel experience, ERISA and employee benefits knowledge, support for clients ...

Associate General Counsel, Labor & Employment

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$156K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers in a clear and concise manner * Ability to ... Preferred: in-house counsel experience, ERISA and employee benefits knowledge, support for clients ...

Associate General Counsel, Labor & Employment

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$156K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers in a clear and concise manner * Ability to ... Preferred: in-house counsel experience, ERISA and employee benefits knowledge, support for clients ...

Erisa Attorney information

See Virginia salary details

$68.9K

$123K

$175K

How much do erisa attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for erisa attorney in Virginia is $123,041.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $154,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ERISA attorney?

An ERISA attorney is a lawyer who specializes in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), a federal law that sets standards for retirement and health benefit plans in private industry. These attorneys advise employers, plan administrators, and employees on compliance with ERISA regulations, represent clients in disputes over benefits, and ensure that retirement and health plans are managed properly. They may also assist with plan design, documentation, and litigation related to benefit claims or fiduciary breaches.

What does an ERISA attorney do?

As an ERISA attorney, your responsibilities are to understand how the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) impacts benefits for employees and help your clients remain in compliance with ERISA and related laws and regulations. Your job duties include drafting plan documents and amendments for pension and health insurance benefits and protecting your clients from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Department of Labor. Lawyers can also represent employees claiming benefits under ERISA. The qualifications for a career as an ERISA attorney include a law degree, experience with the health insurance industry, and strong research and writing skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ERISA attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ERISA Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and specialized knowledge of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and related employee benefits law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience drafting plan documents or compliance materials are essential. Exceptional analytical thinking, client communication, and attention to detail help attorneys interpret complex regulations and advise clients effectively. These skills ensure compliant benefit plans, minimize legal risks, and build trusted client relationships in a highly regulated field.

What are some common challenges ERISA attorneys face when advising clients on employee benefit plans?

ERISA attorneys often encounter challenges related to the constantly evolving regulatory landscape, as new federal rules and court decisions can impact plan compliance. Staying up-to-date with regulatory changes and interpreting complex statutes is a regular part of the job. Additionally, ERISA attorneys must carefully navigate issues involving plan documentation, fiduciary obligations, and the tax implications of benefit plans. These challenges require strong analytical skills, continuous learning, and effective communication with clients and plan administrators.

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

AspectErisa AttorneyEmployee Benefits Attorney
CredentialsJ.D., State Bar Admission, often specialized in ERISA lawJ.D., State Bar Admission, with focus on employee benefits and ERISA
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal teams, benefits consulting firms
Industry UsagePrimarily in employee benefits, pension, and health plan lawIn employee benefits, retirement plans, and health insurance law
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both Erisa Attorneys and Employee Benefits Attorneys focus on laws governing employee benefit plans, including ERISA regulations. While their roles overlap significantly, Erisa Attorneys often specialize specifically in ERISA compliance and litigation, whereas Employee Benefits Attorneys may handle broader benefits issues, including retirement and health plans. Understanding these nuances helps clients find the right legal expertise for their employee benefits needs.

What job categories do people searching Erisa Attorney jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Erisa Attorney jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Erisa Attorney jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Erisa Attorney job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Erisa Attorney jobs in VA?

For Erisa Attorney jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Erisa Attorney job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,041 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Employee Benefits (ERISA)/Executive Compensation Attorney (Senior Associate or Junior Partner)

Willcox Savage

Norfolk, VA

$175K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Willcox Savage, a full‑service law firm with offices in Norfolk, Richmond, and Tysons, Virginia, seeks an Employee Benefits (ERISA)/Executive Compensation Attorney with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will advise clients on a wide range of health and welfare plan matters, including compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, the Affordable Care Act, and related regulations. A portable book of business is preferred.
Proximity to one of our offices – Norfolk, Richmond, McLean – is a plus.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will demonstrate experience with:
  • Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Pension Plans
  • Health and Welfare Plans
  • ERISA and Internal Revenue Code compliance
  • Code §§ 409A, 457(f), 280G, and 162(m)
  • Drafting plan documents, SPDs, policies, and procedures
  • Reviewing provider agreements
  • Drafting and reviewing executive compensation and equity‑based arrangements
  • Advising public and private companies in transactions
Virginia Bar admission is required.

Responsibilities
  • Advise major companies and nonprofit health systems on executive compensation, retirement, and health and welfare programs.
  • Design, implement, and maintain benefit programs.
  • Counsel employers on compensation and benefits issues in corporate operations, mergers and acquisitions, and financings.
  • Provide guidance on related tax and securities matters.
  • Support transactional work involving compensation and benefits.
  • Handle ERISA and employee benefit plan matters.
Benefits
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Supportive, collaborative work environment
Compensation Range: The salary range for this position is $175,000 - $225,000 per year.
Willcox Savage is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact our firm at 757-628-5500 and ask for Human Resources.