Benefits Specialist

About Us

Finnegan is more than just a law firm – we are a powerhouse of innovation and strategy growth.  We pride ourselves on providing top-tier intellectual property services globally.  Our success is rooted in our emphasis on relationships with our clients and each other.  We care about every individual, and it is why many professionals have spent their entire careers at Finnegan.

Role Overview

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for utilizing knowledge of the firm benefits programs and procedures to effectively administer and support a broad portfolio of employee benefits and well-being programs, including COBRA, domestic partner, retiree, international, backup dependent/elder care, and parking and commuter benefits; coordinates related initiatives and events such as open enrollment, new hire enrollments, benefits fairs, employee education sessions, wellness programs, and other benefits-focused activities.

Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Manage the firm's retiree health plan, including initial enrollment, annual open enrollment, premium billing and notices, Partner Medicare reimbursement reconciliations, and related administrative and compliance activities.
• Administer the firm's COBRA program in coordination with the third-party administrator, ensuring timely enrollment, notifications, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Administer the firm's transit and parking benefit programs, including enrollment, payroll coordination, employee support, and ongoing program administration.
• Process HSA and FSA transfers, corrections, and related reporting activities.

Employee Benefits Support & Education

• Serve as a subject matter expert on the firm's health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs for employees, prospective candidates, and retirees; escalate complex matters as appropriate.
• Provide guidance and counseling to employees regarding available benefit programs and resources.
• Conduct new hire benefits orientations and educational sessions to promote employee understanding and engagement with firm-sponsored benefits.

Compliance

• Prepare, audit, reconcile, and process monthly benefits invoices and premium payments within established deadlines.
• Monitor developments in benefits laws, regulations, and industry best practices; recommend program and policy enhancements to ensure ongoing compliance and competitiveness.
• Support compliance-related activities associated with benefits and retirement programs.
• Ensure benefits and retirement files are maintained in accordance with firm procedures and legal requirements.
• Conduct quarterly benefits audits to ensure required documentation is collected, maintained, and filed appropriately.

Benefits Communications & Resources

• Prepare, update, and distribute benefits communication materials and informational resources.
• Maintain and enhance the employee benefits intranet site and other benefits communication platforms to ensure accurate and timely information.
• Prepare benefits termination packets and related communications.

Leave Administration

• Serve as a backup administrator for the firm's FMLA and paid and unpaid leave of absence programs.

Projects, Research & Department Support

• Coordinate and support benefits-related projects and initiatives, ensuring timely execution and communication of project status.
• Conduct research, gather data, and prepare information and analyses in support of departmental objectives and decision-making.
• Provide support to the Human Resources team, including assistance with special projects, employee engagement initiatives, and staff morale events.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Relevant industry certification in benefits, total rewards preferred, i.e. CBP, SHRM-CP, PHR, etc.
• Minimum of three years of direct work experience in benefits program administration, including invoice reconciliation required; law firm or other professional services experience preferred
• Knowledge of benefits plans and employment laws affecting benefits required
• Knowledge of data gathering, analytical review of information and making sound recommendations on benefits program design.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong Excel skills; and the ability to learn the systems and databases used by the firm
• Knowledge of HRIS and database software, preferably Dayforce, required; SharePoint or other web design program, online research, and report writing, and queries preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect data of records and other sensitive information.
• Familiarity with the internet and intranet; ability to research and use various research tools
• Ability to be a self-starter, while also comfortable taking direction from others.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet frequent deadlines, and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime when necessary.
• Willingness to be a team player on all department projects.
• Strong customer service skills including verbal and written communication (including spelling and grammar) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact professionally with all levels of personnel is required 
• Flexible attitude and the ability to deal well with changing assignments and priorities; willingness to learn and acquire advanced duties, and provide support to varied office members

Join Finnegan where your skills will drive success of one of the world’s leading IP law firms.

The role is based in our Washington, DC office, and requires a hybrid/onsite work schedule. The base annual pay range for this role is between $80,000 to $90,000; roughly a $41.03 to $46.15 hour equivalent hourly equivalent. The base pay to be offered will vary and depend on skills and qualifications, experience, location and will also take into account internal equity. A full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on the position will also be offered.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 

Finnegan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment, as defined by applicable state and federal laws, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. For candidates needing reasonable accommodations or assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at 202.216.5400.

Our privacy policy for applicants can be found here.

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