Staff Attorney- Benefits

Summary of Position

Colorado PERA seeks to hire a dedicated and adaptable attorney to join its highly collaborative legal team. The Staff Attorney - Benefits will focus on benefits-related matters while contributing to the wide variety of tasks that fall within the purview of this dynamic team.

The Staff Attorney – Benefits is responsible for legal projects ranging from compliance with applicable tax laws, drafting plan amendments, consulting on potential Colorado legislation, and representing PERA in administrative review proceedings. This position provides services to internal divisions of PERA as assigned.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented attorney with a minimum of two years' experience in the areas of tax and employee benefits. They excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage competing priorities with efficiency and focus. This attorney thrives on collaboration, can pivot quickly to address urgent or emerging issues, and communicates complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders. A proactive problem-solver, they provide practical, risk-aware guidance to internal divisions and contribute to the organization's mission of serving public employees with integrity and excellence.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensures tax compliance for the PERA retirement plans (defined benefit, 401(a) defined contribution, 401(k), and 457(b) plans)

• Provides legal advice, support, and services for the various divisions of PERA to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, statutes, and regulations

• Conducts analysis and research as appropriate or assigned for a variety of legal issues impacting PERA and its business units, including, but not limited to, Benefit Services, Human Resources, Audit, and Accounting

• Monitors new developments in federal and state laws and regulations, including tax laws, for impact on PERA

• Collaborates in a team-oriented environment to develop and implement policies and strategies

• Participates in the development and drafting of PERA Rules and the review/drafting of Colorado legislation impacting PERA

• Represents PERA in administrative proceedings, which includes preparation of case files, witnesses, presentation of the case, and the drafting of proposed findings of fact

• Oversees and coordinates outside counsel

• Participates in industry organizations and continuing education seminars regarding pertinent issues or interests of PERA

• Maintains regular and prompt attendance

• Carries out other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and license to practice in the State of Colorado or the ability to obtain a license within 1 year of employment

• At least 2 years of relevant legal experience preferred

• Experience in interpreting state and federal laws and regulations

• Experience with employee benefits and tax issues

• Strong analytical and organizational skills

• Experience with litigation or administrative proceedings preferred

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability to travel as necessary for business purposes

Working Conditions