Emphasizing prevention, we provide employers with the information they need to manage their workforce and avoid liability. Our clients range from small dental practices to an employer with several thousand employees. We assist employers in creating important documents. When problems arise, we help our clients conduct investigations and make tough decisions about discipline and discharge. We also defend our clients in employment claims and lawsuits in state and federal court.
Employment Advice & Investigations
Our clients routinely call us to seek assistance in evaluating, disciplining or discharging their employees. When allegations of wrongful conduct arise, we assist clients in investigating and resolving harassment and other claims.
Employment Training
We frequently speak before business owners and human resources professionals on a wide variety of employment law issues. We lend this expertise on an individual basis by providing on-site training for our clients.
Employment Manuals, Contract & Policies
We review and prepare employment manuals and policies for our clients. We also prepare employment contracts, including non-competition and non-solicitation agreements.
Employment Litigation
We represent employers before administrative agencies and in state and federal court. We defend wage and hour, discrimination, wrongful discharge and other employment claims. We also help employers stop former employees from using trade secrets and enforce non-competition and confidentiality agreements.
Retirement Plans & Employee Benefits
A properly designed retirement plan and competitive employee benefit package is crucial to the success of today’s business. Because of the significant tax advantages they offer, retirement plans and employee benefits are two of the most heavily regulated areas of the law. The retirement plan and employee benefits group is dedicated to staying abreast of this complex area and offering innovative and practical solutions to our clients.
Retirement Plans
Our practice focuses on advising clients in the selection and maintenance of qualified retirement plans, including profit sharing plans, money purchase pension plans, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, stock bonus plans, employee stock ownership plans, and defined benefit plans. Each plan is tailored to meet the individual needs of the client, while maintaining compliance with complex and constantly changing Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor requirements. We also meet with employee groups to explain plan features and encourage participation.
Executive Compensation
We work with clients in designing executive compensation packages that minimize taxes and maximize executive retention. We draft and implement all varieties of non-qualified deferred compensation plans, including golden parachute plans, salary continuation plans, shadow stock plans, rabbi trusts, and section 457 plans (for non-profits).
Health Benefits
We regularly consult with businesses and their professionals on complicated issues involving employer-sponsored health benefit plans. We design and implement cafeteria plans, flexible spending account plans, dependent care assistance plans, and medical reimbursement plans. We also advise clients on issues involving COBRA, HIPPA, and DOL regulations involving health benefits.
Federal Examinations Involving ERISA
We represent businesses and individuals in all aspects of federal examinations by the IRS or DOL involving ERISA. We guide the client through the audit process and, if necessary, pursue administrative recourse or relief through the federal courts. We also obtain determination letters from the IRS regarding the qualification of new plans and the legal status of terminating plans.
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
We work closely with domestic relations attorneys in preparing and reviewing qualified domestic relations orders (“QDROs”), which divide retirement benefits incident to divorce. With 15+ years of experience, we have prepared virtually hundreds of QDROs dividing benefits in profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans, pension plans, PERS, Civil Service Retirement System, 403(b) plans, 457 plans, and military plans. Our streamlined approach to preparing and reviewing QDROs focuses on making our services both cost-effective and timely.