Retirement Paralegal (ERISA) Associate

Our Retirement team combines expertise in retirement, actuarial, compliance and administration consulting to support global organizations worldwide in designing, managing, administering, and communicating all types of retirement plans. Whether a client has a defined benefit pension, and/or a defined contribution plan, we collaborate with the organization to determine the right approach to design, funding, investing, governing, compliance, administration and employee engagement that fits their specific goals.

As one of our paralegal associates, you will contribute to our national project delivery team and make a valuable difference every day to our high-profile client organizations. One of the fastest growing areas of our retirement business is assisting clients with various special projects requiring paralegal expertise and unique skillset for defined benefit and defined contribution plans. 

The Role

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Paralegal to join our team. As a Paralegal, you will play a crucial role in supporting our attorneys by performing a variety of tasks, which will include drafting/amending pension (defined benefit and defined contribution) plan documents, summary plan descriptions, summaries of material modifications and other plan related documents (e.g., policies, procedures) as well as participant communications (e.g., QDIA notices). 

WTW benefit consultants have deep experience working with organizations of all types and sizes.  We work closely with clients to develop some of the most advanced benefit design techniques currently in use.  We combine expertise in retirement and investment consulting to support organizations worldwide in designing, managing, administering and communicating all types of retirement plans. 

As a Retirement Paralegal (ERISA) Associate, you will:

• Plan Drafting: Draft/amend customized comprehensive defined benefit and defined contribution plan documents, summary plan descriptions, summaries of material modifications and other plan related documents and participant communications. Stay current on latest documentation technique and best practices to ensure use of cutting-edge tools and language.
• Compliance: Ensure all plan documents comply with ERISA regulations and other applicable federal laws. Adhere to audit protocol to ensure accuracy of documentation.
• Document Production/Management: Adhere to document production timelines to ensure efficiency and timely document production. Organize and maintain plan documents, ensuring they are up-to-date and accessible.
• Training and Development: Train and mentor staff on plan document drafting and compliance.
• Internal Client Communication: Provide technical guidance regarding plan language and training for the internal team as needed. Provide assistance when a client or team member requires assistance understanding the plan language or the underlying legal requirement giving rise to the language.
• Other: Keep abreast of laws and regulations impacting employee benefits, claims procedures, and notice requirements by using our legal database subscriptions to research, analyze and understand changes in the law and/or regulations. 
• Filing: File documents with government agencies as needed
• Client Communication: Communicate effectively with clients, client counsel, providing updates and gathering information.
• Document Management: Prepare, organize, and maintain legal documents, including research and contracts. 
• Project Management:
  • Manage multiple clients and projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines. 
  • Develop and implement project plans, timelines, and budgets. 
  • Coordinate with attorneys, clients, and other team members to ensure smooth project execution. 
  • Track project progress and identify potential issues, taking proactive steps to mitigate risks. 
  • Keep stakeholders up to date on project status using various reporting, and metric-based tools available. 
  • Manage communication between all parties involved in the project.
  • All other duties as assigned.

The Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in English or legal studies, or equivalent concentration preferred.
• Five years’ experience drafting, amending, and tracking changes to pension (defined benefit and defined contribution) benefit plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and summaries of material modifications. 
• Detailed understanding of laws governing pension plans including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code are a must have. 
• Expertise with Microsoft Office software programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Excellent analytical, writing and verbal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience with reviewing or qualifying domestic relations orders not required but a plus.
• Ability to be a self-starter and work independently, but also cooperatively in a close team environment
• Ability to prioritize and have good attention to detail
• Ability to work with remote teams and travel as needed

Time Commitment 

• Minimum of 50% of time, energy and focus will be spent on project support
• Current client responsibilities and client team role to be evaluated in coordination with People Manager and leadership responsibilities

Compensation and Benefits 

Base salary range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, qualifications/experience, performance in the role and potential for revenue generation (Producer roles only).

Company Benefits

WTW provides a competitive benefit package which includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):

• Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Commuter Account, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Group Accident, Group Critical Illness, Life Insurance, AD&D, Group Legal, Identify Theft Protection, Wellbeing Program and Work/Life Resources (including Employee Assistance Program)
• Leave Benefits: Paid Holidays, Annual Paid Time Off (includes paid state/local paid leave where required), Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, ADA, Jury Duty, Military Leave, and Parental and Adoption Leave), Paid Time Off 
• Retirement Benefits: Contributory Pension Plan and Savings Plan (401k). Certain senior level roles may also be eligible for non-qualified Deferred Compensation and Deferred Savings Plans.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

EOE, including disability/vets