Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits

While the increasing scope of benefit options creates more choices, it also expands requirements for compliance. The complexity of regulatory requirements and the volume of ongoing documentation grow every year. Knowledgeable, independent legal counsel is now more critical than ever.

Retirement

We design and help clients implement the most beneficial qualified retirement plans and welfare benefit plans, including pension and profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans, stock bonus, and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), for their entity. We assist clients in meeting a wide range of reporting, disclosure, and compliance requirements, including:

  • Preparing and submitting documents to the IRS to obtain favorable determination letters for initial and continued qualification of plans, or for plan termination.
  • Amending plans to meet ongoing compliance requirements.
  • Preparing summary plan descriptions and other employee communications, as well as operational administrative forms, required for qualified retirement plans.
  • Providing ongoing notification to clients of retirement plan law changes that affect them.
  • Providing advice and support to plan administrators, human resources personnel, accountants, actuaries, and financial institutions involved in the daily operation of the plan.
  • Representing clients in audits, appeals, or litigation.
  • Submitting plans to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for approval on plan termination.

Executive

We structure non-qualified, deferred compensation plans, including executive compensation and incentive plans, salary and benefit continuation plans, excess benefit and other retirement plans, stock option, appreciation rights, restricted stock plans, deferred compensation contracts, and Section 457 plans for tax-exempt organizations and governmental units.

Welfare and Fringe Benefits

We work with clients on the vast array of welfare and flexible benefit program options available for employees. We prepare all types of welfare plans, including cafeteria plans, flexible spending accounts, and medical benefit programs. We work with clients and other professionals in developing plans for life insurance, disability benefits, dependent care, education, and COBRA continuation coverage.