ERISA Associate

Position Summary: Ogletree Deakins, one of the nation’s largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is seeking an experienced ERISA litigator to join our team. This role involves working closely with dedicated client teams that service some of the firm’s largest clients and focusing on our national ERISA litigation/life, health, and disability practice. The position offers the opportunity to defend complex benefits litigation matters, including class actions and single-plaintiff lawsuits, in both ERISA and non-ERISA contexts (such as insurance bad faith claims). The attorney will engage in briefing cutting-edge legal issues at the trial and appellate levels, as well as taking and defending depositions, arguing motions, and participating in mediations, trials, and appeals. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical and writing skills, a strong passion for litigation, and a collaborative approach that aligns with our supportive, team-oriented culture. This role provides the chance to handle challenging, high-stakes matters and offer strategic advice and counsel to sophisticated Ogletree clients. Requirements: Qualified candidates must hold an active license to practice law and remain in good standing in their state of residence. 2+ years of litigation experience is preferred. While experience in employee benefits and defending ERISA and non-ERISA life, health, disability, and fiduciary claims is also preferred, it is not mandatory. We are open to training a candidate who demonstrates the right skills and potential. California license or obtaining California license would be beneficial. Job requires excellent analytical and writing skills, strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and dedication to excellence and the highest level of client service. This role requires a high level of self-motivation, accountability for work quality, and responsiveness. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with attorneys, administrative professionals, and clients, supported by excellent interpersonal skills. Our attorneys thrive in a team-oriented environment, and the ideal candidate will excel in contributing to and benefiting from this collaborative approach. Please note, we are not working with outside recruiters for this position. Benefits: Ogletree Deakins offers a robust suite of benefits for our attorneys including: comprehensive training and development programs including an annual firm-wide Attorney Retreat, CLE and bar admission expense reimbursement, several competitive annual bonus programs, 401(k) plan, affordable health, and life insurance including dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts to help offset the cost of dependent care and/or health care expenses, Teladoc to provide 24/7 access to a doctor by phone or online video, employee assistance program, back-up childcare program, and a paid parental leave on-ramping program. Firm Overview: Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Premier client service, as outlined in the firm’s Client Pledge, is one of the firm’s top priorities and a cornerstone of its core values. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 13 consecutive years. In the 2024 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Employment Law - Management category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 950 attorneys located in 56 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S. We are fully committed to the importance of diversity within the legal profession, as well as all workplace environments and strongly encourage the interest of diverse candidates in the firm. Equal Opportunity Employer.