Employee BenefitsERISA Attorney
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS / ERISA ATTORNEY
Des Moines, IA (also Cedar Rapids, IA and Ames, IA) | Full-time | Hybrid
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COMPENSATION
Base: $160,000--$225,000
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WHY THIS ROLE
One of Iowa's largest and oldest law firms — with a decades-long track record handling more ERISA matters in the Iowa federal district courts than any other firm — is filling a genuine succession role: a retiring partner is handing off a substantial, established book of business in a state market with very little ERISA/ESOP competition. For an attorney with experience in this niche, the combination of a dominant market position, an inherited client base, minimal competitive pressure, and a clear path to practice leadership is exceptionally rare. The hybrid arrangement (roughly 1--2 weeks per month in-office) offers flexibility that is unusual for a role with this level of practice-building upside.
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ABOUT THE ROLE
You'll work directly with the department head on an established client base in ESOPs and ERISA matters, draft and amend plan documents (ESOPs, 401(k)s, profit-sharing plans), advise on ERISA compliance and fiduciary duties, and support M&A transactions with benefits due diligence and plan transitions. The long-term expectation is that you inherit and eventually lead the practice.
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REQUIREMENTS
Experience: 2--10 years in ERISA/ESOP law, advising on employee benefits and compensation
- Experience drafting and amending plan documents (ESOPs, 401(k)s, profit-sharing plans)
- Advising on ERISA compliance, fiduciary duties, and plan corrections
- M&A benefits due diligence and plan transition experience a plus
- Client relationship development skills and interest in eventually leading a practice
Bar Admission: Iowa bar preferred (or ability to obtain)
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
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LOGISTICS
Location: Des Moines, IA; Cedar Rapids, IA; or Ames, IA
Work Policy: Hybrid -- approximately 1--2 weeks per month in-office