Benefits Associate at Michael Best

Are you an employee benefits attorney with three to five years of private practice experience under your belt? Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is actively recruiting a Benefits Associate to join its nationally recognized Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group. This is not just another lateral move—it's a chance to work within one of the most sophisticated benefits practices in the country, with a client base that includes some of the most iconic global brands. The position is based in Los Angeles, CA, but the firm is open to candidates in any of its offices.

Why This Benefits Associate Role Deserves Your Attention

Employee benefits law is a highly specialized, ever-evolving field that sits at the intersection of tax, labor, and corporate law. In today's competitive legal market, mid-level associates with genuine benefits expertise are in high demand. Michael Best's team is consistently recognized for its depth and sophistication, handling the full spectrum of benefit and compensation matters—from qualified retirement plans to health and welfare plans, executive compensation, ERISA litigation, and everything in between. Joining this group means you'll be working on complex, high-stakes issues that directly impact global corporations, nonprofits, governments, and high-net-worth individuals.

“Our group handles the complete spectrum of benefit and compensation issues and has advised on cutting edge benefits developments that have impacted national policy.”

For an associate seeking to build a long-term career in this niche, the exposure is unparalleled. You'll be drafting plan documents, advising on compliance with IRS and DOL regulations, and supporting M&A transactions—all while working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that the firm fiercely protects.

The Strategic Value of an Employee Benefits Practice

Many law students and junior associates overlook employee benefits as a “back office” practice area, but that perception is outdated. Benefits and executive compensation are mission-critical for any organization. The regulatory landscape—from the Affordable Care Act to SECURE 2.0, and from ERISA fiduciary rules to 409A deferred compensation requirements—demands lawyers who can navigate complexity with precision. This role is an opportunity to position yourself as a subject-matter expert, one of the most reliable paths to partnership in a large firm.

• High demand, low supply: Benefits attorneys are rare because few law schools offer specialized training. Firms like Michael Best compete intensely for experienced associates.
• Strategic importance: Benefits advice protects firms from litigation, penalties, and reputational damage—making you indispensable to clients.
• Cross-cutting skills: You'll work alongside corporate, litigation, and tax teams, expanding your own network within the firm.
• Lateral prestige: A stint at Michael Best opens doors. The firm is a training ground for some of the country's top benefits lawyers.

Inside the Role: What Michael Best Expects

The firm is explicit about the qualities it seeks. They want a mid-level associate with at least three to five years of benefits experience in private practice. The substantive knowledge required is deep:

• Experience with qualified retirement plans (including defined benefit and defined contribution plans)
• Experience with health & welfare plans (including ERISA compliance, Affordable Care Act, and COBRA)
• Experience with executive & deferred compensation arrangements (including Section 409A and Section 162(m))
• Ideally, exposure to benefits in M&A transactions (including Section 280G, golden parachute rules, and transition planning)
• Ideally, familiarity with ERISA litigation and withdrawal liability (multiemployer pension issues)

Beyond these legal skills, the firm emphasizes soft skills: excellent writing, oral advocacy, communication, and legal analysis. They want a “detail-oriented” lawyer who thrives in a “team-oriented, collaborative environment.” You'll need to be adaptable, able to manage tight deadlines, and comfortable working independently as well as within cross-practice teams.

Educational and Licensure Requirements

As expected for a top-tier law firm, candidates must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with excellent academic credentials. You must be authorized to work in the U.S. and, presumably, be admitted to the bar in the state where you'll be located (though not explicitly stated, this is standard for associate roles).

Compensation, Perks, and Total Rewards: The Numbers That Matter

Transparency on compensation is a strong signal of a firm's culture. Michael Best has publicly disclosed that for candidates in California, Colorado, Washington D.C., and Illinois, the annual base salary range is between $185,000 and $245,000. This is a competitive range for a mid-level benefits associate, and importantly, it's only a starting point. The firm also offers a bonus program, subject to eligibility and conditions.

The total rewards package is genuinely comprehensive and designed to support both professional growth and personal well-being:

• Learning and Growth: Mentorship programs, career development planning, specialized training, performance management and coaching, plus bar exam/bar review course reimbursement.
• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA and FSA options, wellness programs, and employee/family assistance programs.
• Time Off: Unlimited PTO plus 10 paid holidays—a truly modern approach to work-life balance.
• Financial Security: 401(k) with company contribution, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, critical illness coverage.
• Family Support: Parental and family leave options.
• Workplace Flexibility: A flexible remote work policy allows up to 2.5 days per week remote—ideal for attorneys who value autonomy.
• Professional Fees: The firm reimburses ABA, state and local bar membership fees.

“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.”

How to Position Yourself as the Ideal Candidate

Competition for a role like this will be intense. Here's how to stand out:

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your specific benefits experience—retirement plans, health & welfare, executive compensation, M&A due diligence. Use the same terms from the job description (ERTISA, 409A, 280G) to pass applicant tracking systems.
• Craft a compelling narrative: In your cover letter, explain not just what you've done, but why benefits law is your passion. Mention a specific matter where your advice shaped a client outcome.
• Leverage your network: The job posting mentions that referrals increase your chances. If you know anyone at Michael Best, ask for an internal referral. Attend industry events (e.g., American Bar Association Employee Benefits Committee meetings) to build relationships with the team.
• Prepare for behavioral interviews: The firm emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and professionalism. Think of examples that demonstrate your ability to work under pressure, manage confidential information, and solve complex problems.
• Show your writing skills: As a benefits attorney, your drafting ability is paramount. Have writing samples ready that showcase plan documents, memos, or client letters.

Application Tips: Following Up

The instructions state: “To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.” The posting does not provide a direct link, but it's likely accessible through Michael Best's careers page on their website or via LinkedIn's apply flow. If you contact the recruiting team (414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com), they can direct you to the proper application portal. Be aware that the firm explicitly states they are not accepting unsolicited agency resumes, so apply directly.

Why Michael Best?

Founded in 1848, Michael Best & Friedrich is a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals. Its history spans over 175 years, yet it continues to evolve with modern practice realities. The firm's culture is described as collaborative, respectful, and forward-looking. For an associate, this means mentorship, growth opportunities, and a platform to do sophisticated work for globally recognized clients.

The firm has offices across the U.S., including the West Coast hub in Los Angeles. If you have ties to California or are looking to relocate to sunshine and opportunity, this is a perfect match. The Los Angeles office is contemporary, designed to support both concentration and collaboration, reinforcing the firm's commitment to teamwork.

Your Next Move

If you are an experienced benefits attorney ready to elevate your career, this is a rare chance to join a premier practice without relocating to New York or Chicago. Michael Best's benefits group is at the forefront of legal developments, and you could be part of the team shaping the future of employee benefits and executive compensation law.

Don't wait—the application review begins immediately, and the role will remain open until filled. Submit your application via the firm's online portal and take the next step toward a rewarding, challenging, and highly compensated career.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the salary range for the Benefits Associate role?

The annual base salary range for candidates in California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois is $185,000 to $245,000. Final compensation depends on experience, skills, and internal equity, and the role is eligible for the firm's bonus program.

2. Is there a deadline to apply?

No specific deadline is listed. The firm states that application review will begin promptly and continue until the position is filled. It's best to apply as soon as possible, especially since the posting indicates that being among the first 25 applicants may be advantageous.

3. Do I need prior law firm experience in benefits law?

Yes, the position requires three to five years of employee benefits experience in private practice. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with retirement plans, health & welfare plans, and executive compensation. Exposure to M&A benefits, ERISA litigation, and withdrawal liability is a plus.

4. Can I work remotely?

Michael Best offers a flexible remote work policy allowing employees to work remotely up to 2.5 days per week. However, the position is based in one of the firm's offices, and you'll be expected to be present for in-office collaboration on the remaining days.