Recent discussions in legal and political circles have placed the spotlight on concerns surrounding the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and its litigation processes. A group of House Republicans and legal experts has raised alarms regarding what they perceive as potential abuse of ERISA-related litigation by plaintiffs. They argue that some lawsuits may exploit…
In a recent legal skirmish, Husch Blackwell LLP has responded assertively to accusations leveled by a former partner, who alleged that the firm violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The legal contention arose when the ex-partner claimed improper withholding of retirement contributions, mischaracterizing these as participant inputs rather than identifying them correctly as…
Wells Fargo has agreed to an $84 million settlement to resolve claims in an Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) class action lawsuit, marking a significant development in the bank’s legal journey. This suit alleged that the company mishandled its employee 401(k) plan by retaining high-cost, poorly performing investment options, negatively impacting employee retirement savings….
The legal battle over gig companies’ classification of drivers continues to unfold, with serious implications for the industry. A recent ruling in California highlights the tenuous nature of the protections that gig companies have relied on to shield themselves from lawsuits by drivers. The matter centers on whether companies like Uber and Lyft can continue…
In a move that could reshape workplace policies around infertility treatments, former President Donald Trump has proposed an expansion of healthcare coverage to include in vitro fertilization (IVF), focusing on providing greater flexibility for employers. This initiative seeks to accommodate both employers’ operational needs and employees’ reproductive health choices. The proposal outlines tax incentives for…
Arnall Golden Gregory LLP has been hit with a $50,000 fine after a federal court in California found the firm improperly shared confidential documents with the U.S. Department of Labor. The sensitive documents were supplied by United Behavioral Health in the context of a class action lawsuit. The case centers on allegations that United Behavioral…
Thompson Hine LLP has significantly strengthened its employee benefits practice by welcoming seven new lawyers to the team. This strategic move reflects the growing demand for legal expertise in navigating the complex landscape of employee benefits and executive compensation. The addition of these seasoned professionals aims to enhance the firm’s capability in advising clients on…
Recent actions by New York and California are challenging the framework of the United States’ 90-year-old labor laws, causing significant uncertainty across various industries. The focus is on how these changes might shift the balance of power between employers and workers, especially concerning classifications and labor rights. New York and California have introduced measures that…
Rachel Faye Smith, a distinguished figure in the legal profession and the current Practice Group Chair at Morrison Foerster, offers a refreshing perspective on career development, particularly for those navigating the intricacies of legal practice. Speaking candidly about her unconventional career path, Smith emphasizes the importance of maintaining a broad view and remaining receptive to…
On September 16, 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri against Husch Blackwell LLP and its Executive Board members. The suit alleges that the firm violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) by delaying the transfer of employees’ 401(k) contributions to the retirement…
Husch Blackwell LLP, a prominent law firm with offices across the United States, is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging mishandling of its 401(k) plan. The suit, initiated by a former employee, claims that the firm and its leadership failed to uphold their fiduciary duties by permitting excessive fees and expenses within the plan. This legal…
A surge in cases under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) has caught the attention of legal professionals, as emerging lawsuits reveal unique angles on traditional benefits disputes. These cases highlight the evolving nature of employee benefit management in the face of changing workplace landscapes. Recent litigation has revealed several novel claims that could…
The conclusion of numerous classification lawsuits against Uber over recent years leaves a complex legacy, characterized by sharply divergent perspectives on who ultimately prevailed. On one hand, Uber maintains that the autonomy of drivers has consistently triumphed. As highlighted by a lawyer representing Uber, the “independence of drivers is winning” in these legal battles. Many…
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently announced an overhaul of its guidelines on fringe benefits, reflecting changes aimed at aligning with contemporary workplace practices. This move updates the criteria to better define which benefits should be considered taxable and which should not, addressing longstanding ambiguities that have grown as the nature of work and…
In a recent development that has stirred significant controversy, President Donald Trump signed an executive order removing collective bargaining rights for federal workers at several agencies, including NASA, the National Weather Service, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This decision has drawn criticism from union representatives, who have described it as an act of…
FlyteHealth, a leader in virtual cardiometabolic care, has appointed Melanie Curtice as its new General Counsel. Curtice brings over two decades of experience in healthcare law, with a focus on regulatory compliance, employee benefits, and corporate governance. Her previous roles include serving as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at 98point6, and as a partner at…
In a recent hearing, the Eleventh Circuit expressed skepticism towards enforcing individual arbitration in a lawsuit concerning an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) termination. The legal dispute involves allegations that a legal technology company undervalued its ESOP shares during plan termination, leading to financial shortfalls for participating employees. Judges raised questions regarding the validity of…
In a recent directive, President Donald Trump has instructed the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to “clarify” the employment status of college athletes. This move aims to address ongoing debates surrounding athletes’ rights, following judicial decisions that have altered restrictions on player compensation. As collegiate sports navigate these…
Recent scrutiny has emerged over the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) concerning its practice of sharing information from enforcement investigations with plaintiffs’ attorneys. This issue was brought into focus during a House panel session on Tuesday, where lawmakers criticized the practice, suggesting it could lead to an imbalance in legal proceedings….
Gunster, a prominent Florida-based law firm, is making strategic headway in boosting its capabilities in benefits and compensation, along with private wealth management. This expansion emphasizes the firm’s continued commitment to addressing the complex needs of its clientele, particularly those concerning intricate financial and estate planning matters. The firm has recently brought on board Jessica…
The first half of 2025 has witnessed significant lateral movements within the legal industry, as major law firms strategically bolster their ranks by acquiring prominent teams from competitors. These moves reflect a dynamic legal market where firms are aggressively expanding their capabilities across various practice areas and geographies. In January, Kirkland & Ellis announced the…
In light of the recent GOP tax bill signed by President Donald Trump, a slew of provisions are generating interest among employee benefits and executive compensation attorneys. The key takeaways from the bill include modifications to high-deductible health plans and an employer-side deduction limit that impacts highly compensated employees. These changes are poised to reshape…
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has announced the addition of Megan Arthur Schilling as a partner in its San Diego office, focusing on compensation and benefits matters. Schilling brings over 15 years of experience advising a diverse clientele, from multinational public companies to emerging growth businesses and individual executives. Her expertise encompasses executive compensation, employee…
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP has announced the return of Regina L. Readling as a partner in its executive compensation group in New York. Readling, who previously served at Sullivan & Cromwell, rejoins the firm after a tenure at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, where she was a partner in the Executive Compensation & Benefits practice….
In a significant appointment for its Chicago office, Akerman LLP has announced the addition of Gary Blachman as a partner in its national tax practice. Blachman’s extensive experience bolsters the firm’s capabilities in providing comprehensive tax advice to both public and private enterprises across the United States. Gary Blachman will focus on a range of…