Employee Benefits Attorney

Position: Employee Benefits Attorney (10+ Years) – Portland, Seattle, or Anchorage

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employee Benefits Attorney to join a leading regional law firm with a robust presence across the Northwest. The firm supports a diverse range of industries, including Technology, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Consumer Products, Manufacturing and Retail, Natural Resources, Real Estate and Construction, Ports and Maritime, and Indian Country and Alaska Native Corporations.

Locations: Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Anchorage, Alaska (Candidates based in other office locations may also be considered)

Position Overview:
This full-time role is ideal for a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in employee benefits law. The position offers opportunities to work on high-level matters in a collaborative environment with significant client interaction and professional autonomy.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in the following areas:
• Designing, drafting, amending, and governing qualified retirement plans under Code § 401(a) and other tax-favored plans (403(b), 457(b), etc.).
• Resolving documentary, administrative, and fiduciary errors in retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and executive compensation arrangements.
• Addressing benefits and compensation aspects of corporate transactions, restructurings, reductions-in-force, and change-in-control scenarios.
• Designing, documenting, and administering ERISA health and welfare plans and summary plan descriptions.
• Advising employers on contract and trust law issues related to multiemployer plans and analyzing withdrawal liability.
• Navigating employment-related documents and Code § 409A compliance issues.
• Conducting due diligence and reviewing M&A documents for ERISA-related considerations.
• Understanding non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements and related tax codes (Code §§ 409A, 457, 280G).
• Strong academic credentials, professional references, and exceptional legal research, writing, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead projects independently while thriving in a team-oriented setting.
• Strong client service ethics.
• Admission to the Oregon, Washington, California, or Alaska State Bar (depending on office location).

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary range: $200,000–$250,000 (higher compensation may be available for candidates with a portable book of business).
• Eligible for discretionary merit bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package, details available upon request.

Work Environment:

• In-office work is required on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with flexibility for remote work on Mondays and Fridays.

This firm is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion and strongly encourages candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply.