Employee Benefits Associate

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Employee Benefits Associate based in the United States. The Employee Benefits Associate will advise leading businesses on a broad range of employee health and welfare benefit matters, helping clients navigate complex regulatory requirements and evolving workplace benefit policies. This role focuses on providing legal counsel on health and welfare plans, compliance obligations, and employee benefits-related issues across multiple industries. You will collaborate with experienced attorneys on sophisticated client matters in a supportive, team-oriented legal environment. The position offers opportunities to contribute to innovative legal solutions while building strong client relationships and deepening your technical expertise. You will benefit from hands-on mentorship, structured professional development, and exposure to challenging legal projects. This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity based in Chicago, Illinois, suited to an attorney with established employee benefits experience and a strong commitment to high-quality legal service.

Advise clients on employee health and welfare benefit plans, including plan design, administration, compliance, and related legal considerations. Provide legal guidance on key regulatory frameworks and requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Counsel clients on mental health parity requirements, cafeteria plans, flexible spending accounts, severance plans, and other employee benefits arrangements. Support clients in interpreting and applying employee benefits laws and regulations, identifying compliance risks, and developing practical legal solutions. Conduct legal research and analysis on complex employee benefits matters and translate findings into clear, actionable advice. Collaborate with partners and colleagues on sophisticated legal projects, client counseling, and ongoing benefits-related matters. Communicate legal requirements, regulatory developments, and compliance recommendations effectively to clients and internal stakeholders. Contribute to the delivery of high-quality legal services by applying sound judgment, attention to detail, and a client-focused approach. Participate in professional development activities, mentoring initiatives, continuing legal education, and collaborative learning opportunities. Requirements: Between 4 and 7 years of experience in employee benefits law, particularly advising on health and welfare plans and related compliance matters. Demonstrated knowledge of HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, mental health parity, cafeteria plans, flexible spending accounts, severance plans, and associated regulatory and counseling issues. Experience gained at a top law firm, or a combination of law firm and in-house legal experience. Excellent academic credentials and a strong foundation in legal research, analysis, and interpretation. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly and effectively. Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and client-service skills. Ability to work collaboratively with partners, colleagues, and clients while managing multiple complex matters and competing priorities. Admission to the Illinois Bar, or eligibility to waive into the Illinois Bar. Commitment to professional development, legal excellence, and delivering practical, business-oriented advice. Benefits: Salary: $340,000–$370,000 annually for the Chicago-based position. Additional compensation: Eligibility for annual merit increases and bonus pay. Healthcare coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement benefits: Access to a 401(k) plan. Paid time off: Paid leave to support personal needs and work-life balance. Professional development: Comprehensive training through mentoring programs, continuing legal education (CLE), internal learning initiatives, industry credentialing, and hands-on experience working alongside senior attorneys. Career growth: Opportunities to work on complex legal matters, develop specialized employee benefits expertise, and build long-term professional relationships. Work arrangement: Full-time, hybrid work based in Chicago, Illinois. Collaborative environment: Opportunities to work with experienced legal professionals serving prominent clients across industries, within a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and professional growth.