ERISA Associate

Overview

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.

• Defend complex benefits litigation matters, including class actions and single-plaintiff lawsuits, in ERISA and non-ERISA contexts (such as insurance bad faith claims).
• Engage in briefing cutting-edge legal issues at the trial and appellate levels.
• Take and defend depositions, argue motions, and participate in mediations, trials, and appeals.
• Provide strategic advice and counsel to clients and collaborate with dedicated client teams.

• 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. Experience in employee benefits and defending ERISA and non-ERISA life, health, disability, and fiduciary claims is preferred but not mandatory. We are open to training a candidate who demonstrates the right skills and potential.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, strong organizational abilities, ability to multi-task, and dedication to client service.
• High level of self-motivation, accountability for work quality, and responsiveness.
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, administrative professionals, and clients; strong interpersonal skills in a team‑oriented environment.

Please note, we are not working with outside recruiters for this position.

Ogletree Deakins offers a robust benefits package including: comprehensive training and development programs (annual firm‑wide Attorney Retreat, CLE and bar admission expense reimbursement), several competitive annual bonus programs, 401(k) plan, health and life insurance including dental and vision, flexible spending accounts for dependent care and health care expenses, employee assistance program, back‑up childcare, and a paid parental leave on‑ramping program.

If you have questions, please e‑mail Brittney Padilla at Brittne with “SLC - ERISA Associate” in the subject line. Applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered.

Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 14 consecutive years. In the 2025 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Litigation – Labor and Employment category.

Ogletree Deakins has more than 1,100 attorneys located in 60 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 and in the workplace. Equal Opportunity Employer.