Job Description:

The Position

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Benefits Senior Counsel to join our best-in-class Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group in our Milwaukee, Chicago, or Washington D.C. offices.  The candidate must be a senior level attorney with a minimum of five (5) years of significant benefits experience in private practice. We are looking for someone with experience with qualified retirement plans, health & welfare plans, and executive & deferred compensation arrangements. Supporting benefits and compensation in M&A, ERISA litigation and withdrawal liability experience is a plus. 

Michael Best’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group is regarded as one of the most sophisticated, full-service benefits practices, serving clients nationally and around the globe. Our group handles the complete spectrum of benefit and compensation issues and has advised on cutting edge benefits developments that have impacted national policy. Our clients include some of the most recognizable and iconic brands in the world.  

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world. 

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln) and Washington D.C. Our contemporary offices spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our clients. This position can be located in our Milwaukee, Chicago, or Washington D.C. office.

Job Requirements:

Bring Your Best

Knowledge Base & Education:

• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school
• Excellent academic credentials
• At least 5 years of employment benefits experience in private practice

Adaptability:

• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team

Collaboration:

• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm

Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion 

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

Professionalism:

• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment

Other: 

• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, all programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package. 

 Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Career Development Planning
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs
• Mentorship Program
• Bar Exam/Bar Review Course Reimbursement

 Health & Wellness

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

 Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Outstanding Benefits
• Unlimited PTO Plus 10 Paid Holidays
• Performance Recognition
• ABA, State and Local Bar Membership Fee Reimbursement

 Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance 
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Flexible Remote Work Policy (Ability to work remote up to 2.5 days per week)
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition 

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.

Recruitment Agencies:  Michael Best is not accepting unsolicited agency resumes for this position. Please do not forward resumes to our careers email address or any Firm employees. Michael Best is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. 

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or [email protected] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

For Illinois applicants only (as required by the Illinois Equal Pay Act): The annual compensation range for this position in our Chicago office is between $175,000 and $325,000. Compensation is determined based on qualifications and experience. Senior Counsel candidates are eligible to participate in Michael Best’s bonus program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions. This position is considered full-time and is therefore eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, vision, as well as elective/voluntary life, disability, and accident coverage. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the firm's 401k plan.

For District of Columbia applicants only (as required by the District of Columbia Wage Transparency Act): The annual compensation range for this position in our DC office is  between $175,000 and $325,000. Compensation is determined based on qualifications and experience. Senior Counsel candidates are eligible to participate in Michael Best’s bonus program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions. This position is considered full-time and is therefore eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, vision, as well as elective/voluntary life, disability, and accident coverage. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the firm's 401k plan.