Employee Benefits & Employment Law - Counsel

Why Join GEICO? At GEICO, we offer a rewarding career where your ambitions are met with endless possibilities. Every day we honor our iconic brand by offering quality coverage to millions of customers and being there when they need us most. We thrive on relentless innovation to exceed our customers' expectations while making a real impact on local communities nationwide. Founded in 1936, GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. When you join our company, we want you to feel valued, supported, and proud to work here. That's why we offer the GEICO Pledge: Great Company, Great Culture, Great Rewards, and Great Careers. About the job GEICO is seeking an experienced lawyer to join its in-house Employment Law department. The Counsel, Employee Benefits & Employment Law, will be primarily responsible for advising internal stakeholders on legal issues related to employee benefits, including retirement plans (401(k), pensions), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision), and other employee benefits programs. The attorney will also ensure compliance with federal and state laws, including ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as well as applicable state and local regulations, draft and review benefit plan documents, including plan designs, summaries, amendments, and participant communications. In addition, this role will afford the attorney the opportunity to support the general Employment Law department by providing advice and counsel on a variety of non-benefits related employment law issues. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of relevant substantive experience in a law firm, government agency and/or large in-house legal department. In addition, the successful candidate will have excellent communication and people skills, strong judgment, a broad range of employee benefits and general employment law experience, and an eagerness to be involved in a dynamic company. Primary Responsibilities Provide legal support in connection with the design, implementation, and administration of employee benefit plans. Advise on issues related to plan fiduciary duties, prohibited transactions, plan governance, and dispute resolution. Stay current on developments in employee benefits law, including legislative and regulatory changes, and interpret their impact on clients and internal policies. Represent clients or the organization in regulatory inquiries, audits, and litigation related to employee benefits. Collaborate with HR, finance, and other departments to ensure alignment of employee benefits plans with organizational goals and legal requirements. Conduct training sessions and provide guidance on employee benefits laws and best practices for internal teams or clients. Support the entire Employment Law team, as needed, by providing advice and counsel on company compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Basic Qualifications Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. Requires 5+ years of employee benefits law and employment law experience at a law firm, government agency, and/or in-house role. Deep knowledge of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, the Affordable Care Act, and other relevant legislation governing employee benefits. Experience with retirement plan design, health and welfare benefits, executive compensation, and other employee benefits programs. Familiarity with EEO, wage and hour, and other federal, state, and local employment law issues. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with attention to detail. Proven track record of managing complex legal matters and providing sound advice to clients or internal stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications Experience providing general employment law advice. Insurance industry-related experience considered a “plus.” Experience working with cross-functional teams, both legal and non-legal. Location – Hybrid: This position is a hybrid role and will require 3 days working onsite in the Bethesda, MD. #LI-MD2 Annual Salary $151,700.00 - $235,750.00 The above annual salary range is a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate/ annual salary to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the selected candidate’s work experience, education and training, the work location as well as market and business considerations. At this time, GEICO will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position. The GEICO Pledge: Great Company: Protecting customers through life’s twists and turns with innovation and integrity. Great Careers: Personalized development programs, mentorship, and certification assistance. Great Culture: Inclusive and collaborative culture rooted in shared success. Great Rewards: Competitive pay, benefits, and flexibility to support your well-being and future. The equal employment opportunity policy of the GEICO Companies provides for a fair and equal employment opportunity for all associates and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. GEICO hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. GEICO reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to receive equal employment opportunity and/or perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship to the Company. This applies to all applicants and associates. GEICO also provides a work environment in which each associate is able to be productive and work to the best of their ability. We do not condone or tolerate an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment. We expect and require the cooperation of all associates in maintaining an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment with mutual respect by and for all associates and applicants.