Associate Counsel - ERISA.424

The Opportunity Prestigious non-profit located in brand new offices in midtown Manhattan seeks an Associate Counsel for a full-time, permanent role. The schedule is hybrid: two days onsite; three days remote. The base salary rate $160,000-$200,000 (with a little wiggle room). Comprehensive benefits include medical, vision, life insurance and a fully funded pension plan.

Primary Duties The Associate Counsel provides legal guidance and support related to retirement plan administration, employee benefits, regulatory compliance, and contract matters. This role works closely with business teams, external counsel, and service providers to ensure compliance with applicable laws and plan requirements while supporting organizational objectives.

Advise business teams on retirement plan administration, benefit communications, operational matters, and regulatory requirements. Research and provide guidance on trust, estate, guardianship, and related legal matters. Review and respond to Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and support related workflows. Draft and review plan amendments, Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), and other benefits-related documents.

Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting retirement plans and benefits administration. Identify compliance risks and recommend corrective actions when necessary. Review, draft, and negotiate vendor and service provider contracts. Support responses to inquiries from participants, employers, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Active admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state. 2–7 years of experience practicing ERISA or employee benefits law. Experience with retirement plan administration and regulatory compliance. Strong knowledge of ERISA, tax-qualified retirement plans, and defined contribution plans.

Familiarity with SECURE Act (2019) and SECURE 2.0 provisions highly preferred. Excellent legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills. Ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage high-volume work independently.

Collaborative mindset with strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Frink-Hamlett Legal Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or citizenship status.