If you are studying to get a law degree, you probably want to become a lawyer. However, if being an attorney doesn’t interest you, there is a lot more you can do with your degree. Depending on the type of degree you get, you can start a career in tax law, politics, mediation, or estate planning. You can also go into employee benefits law. There are over 120 jobs in employee benefits law nationwide, so you can choose from these or find other opportunities. If you are passionate about fighting for employee rights and healthcare policies, this career option might be perfect.
What Is Employee Benefits Law?
By law, U.S. employers must provide certain benefits to their employees. These benefits form the foundation of employee benefits law in the country. All benefits provided must ensure the financial security and well-being of a company’s workforce.
Some legally required benefits include social security, unemployment insurance, and worker’s compensation. Employers with more than 50 full-time employees must provide affordable medical coverage options. U.S. law also provides for retirement benefits and subsidized health insurance.
Being an Employee Benefits Law Legal Professional
If you’re considering becoming a legal professional in the employee benefits law sector, you will work with employers and employees. You will advise employers on staying compliant with labor laws. This will include following ERISA and Internal Revenue Code regulations.
You will also represent the company or the employees in disputes relating to benefits. Sometimes, employees engage in legal action over denied claims, or they may feel discriminated against when it comes to benefits administration. It will be your job to diffuse and mediate the situation.
Moreover, as a legal professional, you can help lobby for change. You can play a vital role in advocating for employees treated unfairly. You can also help employers do better by showing them where their policies fall short.
Finding a Job in Employee Benefits Law
Finding a job is tough, even if you have several degrees. If you decide to go into employee benefits law, you must have the necessary knowledge and skills. Otherwise, you’ll find it nearly impossible to get through to just the interview stage.
Use the most up-to-date study materials or sign up for specialized courses. You should also attend relevant workshops whenever possible. Doing this will help you stay on top of regulation changes and trends and prepare you for a career in employee benefits law.
You must work on your analytical skills to find ways to simplify complex regulations. Practice analyzing different legal cases to improve your problem-solving expertise.
Furthermore, your written and oral communication skills must be on point. Your employer will rely on you to draft legal documents. You must be able to create documents that are easy to understand. You must also be able to explain the various legal points in each of them. Try to focus on legal brief writing as you prepare to apply for jobs in the employee benefits law industry.
Expand your industry knowledge by subscribing to legal newsletters and attending relevant conferences. This way, you can network with other people in your industry and learn from them.
Exploring Different Ways to Land an Employee Benefits Law Job
There are several ways to search and apply for your dream job. You can try large and mid-sized law firms. These firms often have employee benefits practice groups. You could contact their HR departments directly or search online for available jobs. You may even be lucky enough to get in touch with individual attorneys, but in most cases, HR will be your best bet. You could also try small firms that offer learning opportunities. This could help you gain first-hand experience from benefits lawyers, and you may even be first in line when an internal position opens up.
Sign up on job boards and websites to get notified of job openings. Here, you may be able to contact HR professionals looking for legal graduates for specific companies. Furthermore, you should search government agency websites for open vacancies or sign up for government job boards if you want to work for a state department.
Update Your Resume and Get to Work on Finding Your Ideal Job
Your resume should include all the coursework and training you’ve done alongside your professional degree. Ask the people you worked with in enhancing your skills if you can include them as a reference on your resume. Always ask questions during your interviews to determine whether the company is the right fit for you.
You probably won’t find a job overnight, but if you continue honing your skill set, the right job will come along at the right time.
