Senior Counsel

Job Summary

We are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced In-House Employee Benefits Attorney to join our legal team. This role will focus on providing legal guidance and support on various employee benefits and compensation matters, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in employee benefits law, including the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA, and will work collaboratively with human resources, finance and other departments.

• Advise on the design, implementation, and administration of employee benefit plans, including health and welfare plans, tax-qualified and nonqualified defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, fringe benefit programs, and annual and long-term incentive compensation plans.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Affordable Care Act.
• Review and draft plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and other related materials.
• Conduct legal research and stay updated on changes in employee benefits law, including related tax law.
• Provide training and support to human resources and management on employee benefits issues, including their responses to employee inquiries regarding benefits and assist in resolving disputes.
• Manage litigation involving employee plans.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel as needed.
• Participate in benefits strategy discussions and contribute to policy development.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited US law school

Experience:

• 7+ years of legal experience, preferably in a law firm or corporate legal department and in the electric utility or energy sector. (Grade 11 requirement)
• 9+ years of legal experience, preferably in a law firm or corporate legal department and in the electric utility or energy sector. (Grade 12 requirement)

• On-Site at AEP Headquarters in Columbus, OH

• Senior Counsel Grade 11: $155,761 - $202,491
• Senior Counsel Grade 12: $183,033 - $237,941
• Short-term incentive
• Long-term incentive
• 401K match
• AEP Pension
• Comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Compensation Data

• Compensation Grade: SP20-011
• Compensation Range: $ -  USD

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.