Our DGS employee benefits attorneys counsel clients about the best benefit practices for their organizations and provide expertise in all aspects of employee benefits law. Our employee benefits attorneys continue to analyze local, state and federal legislation and advise our many governmental clients regarding such legislation on an ongoing basis. The following is a description of the vast public sector experience we bring to our employee benefits public sector and tax-exempt clients:
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Provide practical advice regarding violations of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and appropriate methods to correct these violations under the IRS Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS).
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Have submitted to, negotiated with, and obtained from the IRS numerous determination letters and private letter rulings for public sector plans.
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Monitor state and federal legislation and advise clients of the impact of such legislation on their benefit plans.
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Draft legislation to be incorporated into state statutes and local ordinances.
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Design and draft money purchase pension plans, including 414(h) pick-up plans, 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity plans, defined benefit pension plans, including 414(h) pick-up plans, Deferred
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Retirement Option Plans (DROP Plans), 457 and other deferred compensation plans.
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Have extensive experience with public sector plans, including experience with many city plans, county plans and statewide systems.
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Design and draft 125 cafeteria plans, self-funded medical plans, employee benefits wrap documents, severance plans, fringe benefit plans and other health and welfare plans.
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Design and draft retiree health savings plans (and integral part trusts), 401(h) accounts and Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Associations (VEBAs).
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Perform comprehensive compliance audits and reviews.
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Regularly advise Boards of Commissioners, Boards of Education, Retirement Boards and Boards of Trustees.
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Consult with public plan administrators on administration and plan interpretation issues.
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Regularly coordinate with City Attorneys, County Attorneys and Assistant Attorneys General regarding public sector plan issues.
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Provide guidance on governmental domestic relations orders, including preparation of numerous model domestic relations orders for complex retirement plans.
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Provide advice regarding fiduciary liability, reporting and disclosure, distribution issues and excise taxes.
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Provide advice regarding the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
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Provide litigation defense on matters involving pension and welfare plans and fiduciary duty issues.
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Provide advice regarding COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, ADA, ADEA, WARN Act, and numerous other federal and state laws affecting employee benefit plans.
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Provide assistance with vendor selection process and negotiation of vendor contracts.
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Negotiate legal documents pertaining to investments, such as securities lending agreements, limited liability partnerships, separate accounts, offshore trusts, etc.
Our employee benefits attorneys are supported by a team of associated professionals with actuarial experience and experience in corporate benefits management. They help us deliver cost-effective and comprehensive services to our clients, assisting with benefit plan design and communications, day-to-day plan administration support, and preparation of administrative forms and required government filings. You can view a copy of their individual profiles by clicking on the names below.