ERISA Litigation

In 1974, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was passed. Since then, the Shook, Hardy & Bacon, L.L.P. (SHB) ERISA Litigation & Employee Benefits Practice has handled both national and regional matters involving breaches of fiduciary duties, individual benefits claims and misrepresentation lawsuits. We combine years of ERISA litigation experience with unparalleled expertise in labor and employment law to offer cost-effective solutions for corporate clients facing complex legal challenges.

Our ERISA litigation attorneys focus on legal matters that raise sophisticated preemption issues; fiduciary misrepresentation claims; 401(k) plan and plan asset diversification issues; and private transaction allegations. We routinely manage ESOP litigation, as well as independent contractor, retiree rights and executive compensation, or “top hat” litigation.

Seasoned attorneys lead our ERISA litigation practices, but they do so with the assistance of a well-qualified and well-respected team. We surround our ERISA litigation attorneys with a nationwide network of paralegals, technology experts and legal analysts. To deliver the most consistent and efficient results, we also have developed Web-based extranets and document management systems designed to coordinate the defense efforts of local counsel at a significant cost-savings to clients. These services comprise in-house document handling, scanning and imaging; videoconferencing; and the expertise of an in-house creative team dedicated to producing demonstrative exhibits on an expedited basis. These leading-edge efforts enable SHB to shine among firms active in ERISA litigation.

Involved in some of the largest ERISA class actions and employee benefit claims to date, we leverage this experience to offer extensive counseling services to several Fortune 100 companies. With an emphasis on avoiding expensive legal actions for our clients, the SHB ERISA Litigation & Employee Benefits Practice also advises employers and fiduciaries on collective bargaining issues, plan structures and litigation management. This preventive approach has considerably lowered the “learning curve” costs associated with effective representation in the employment benefits arena.

In addition, we are well-versed in the legal implications of other major labor laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).

Our firm’s talented and experienced individuals, along with our cutting-edge technology and resources, enable us to provide a range of integrated services built on the principle of quality representation at unsurpassed value. Contact us today.