Associate senior counsel - employment benefits and compensation law

Cigna
Chicago, IL

We are seeking a seasoned legal professional to join our Employment, Benefits and Compensation Law team. This role will provide legal support to HR and business leaders in complex corporate transactions, provide counsel to internal clients relating to ERISA, tax and compensation legal matters, and ensure compliance with applicable benefits and compensation laws.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide legal support on employment, benefits, and compensation matters arising in connection with corporate M&A transactions, including due diligence, negotiation and drafting of relevant transaction documents, and post-closing integration support
  • Advise on qualified retirement plans and compliance with ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code rules and regulations
  • Counsel on executive compensation matters, including equity incentive plans, employment and severance agreements and restrictive covenant agreements
  • Address benefits and compensation-related tax issues including non-qualified deferred compensation matters under IRC Section 409A
  • Provide legal support to ERISA fiduciary committees and serve as secretary at committee meetings
  • Draft and review various employee benefit plan documents and communications to plan participants
  • Partner with internal stakeholders including Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, other Legal subgroups, Corporate Development, and Tax
  • Monitor and interpret legal and regulatory developments affecting employee benefits and compensation
  • Assist in internal policy development and support training initiatives

Qualifications:

  • J.D. from an accredited law school; admission to at least one U.S. state bar
  • 8+ years of relevant legal experience in employment and benefits law
  • Prior in-house counsel experience preferred but not required
  • Strong knowledge of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and related regulations
  • Experience advising on Section 409A and executive compensation matters
  • Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively across functions in a large corporate environment
  • Ability to prioritize and act with urgency when appropriate
  • Ability to evaluate complex issues and make appropriate recommendations to leaders
  • Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion and sound judgment
  • Willingness to travel occasionally
  • Hybrid role- requires being in an office 3 days a week.

If you will be working at home occasionally or permanently, the internet connection must be obtained through a cable broadband or fiber optic internet service provider with speeds of at least 10Mbps download/5Mbps upload.

For this position, we anticipate offering an annual salary of 152,500 - 254,100 USD / yearly, depending on relevant factors, including experience and geographic location.

This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus and long term incentive plan.

We want you to be healthy, balanced, and feel secure. That’s why you’ll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, with a focus on supporting your whole health. Starting on day one of your employment, you’ll be offered several health-related benefits including medical, vision, dental, and well-being and behavioral health programs. We also offer 401(k) with company match, company paid life insurance, tuition reimbursement, a minimum of 18 days of paid time off per year and paid holidays. For more details on our employee benefits programs, visit .

About The Cigna Group

Doing something meaningful starts with a simple decision, a commitment to changing lives. At The Cigna Group, we’re dedicated to improving the health and vitality of those we serve. Through our divisions Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services, we are committed to enhancing the lives of our clients, customers and patients. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the online application process, please email: [email protected] for support. Do not email [email protected] for an update on your application or to provide your resume as you will not receive a response.

The Cigna Group has a tobacco-free policy and reserves the right not to hire tobacco/nicotine users in states where that is legally permissible. Candidates in such states who use tobacco/nicotine will not be considered for employment unless they enter a qualifying smoking cessation program prior to the start of their employment. These states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington State.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.

Posted 2025-11-12

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