ERISA Litigation
USA Guide 2024 : USA - Nationwide
Band 1
About
Provided by Goodwin
As retirement plans have come to hold an increasing proportion of the nation’s wealth, and with the increasing attention on healthcare costs and services, the number of lawsuits claiming violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) has mushroomed. With our expertise in financial services, capital markets and healthcare, we are uniquely positioned to defend ERISA litigation that challenges the way products and services within the employee benefit plan marketplace, including retirement, life, and health, are managed and administered.
The most sophisticated consumers of ERISA litigation services in the country are facing cutting-edge class actions, regulatory investigations and Department of Labor matters involving, for example, the investment and valuation of ERISA retirement plan assets, so-called “excessive fee” litigation, challenges to the payment of healthcare expenses, employer stock drop cases, and the effect of a change of corporate control on ERISA plans.
Goodwin has defended — and defeated — a variety of high-profile ERISA claims at both the trial and appellate levels, as well as in administrative and arbitral proceedings.
Chambers Review
Goodwin is renowned for its robust representation of clients from the financial services sector, including insurers and investment managers, in a broad range of ERISA litigation at both trial and appellate levels, as well as arbitral proceedings. The firm handles the full scope of contentious issues including stock drop cases and issues of fiduciary liability. It also has notable experience with large scale fee litigation.
Work Highlights
- Goodwin is representing Mercer Investments in a class action ERISA litigation filed in the Northern District of Texas regarding alleged breaches of fiduciary duties.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are one of the best firms in this space."
"Goodwin is consistently responsive to client needs."
"They are one of the best firms in this space."
"Goodwin is consistently responsive to client needs."
Notable Practitioners
James Fleckner excels in the representation of plan sponsors and investment managers in ERISA class actions, and is particularly active in disputes involving excessive fees and proprietary funds.
"He is a recognized expert for ERISA."
"James is among the top ERISA litigators. He is a creative, quick on his feet and excellent in oral and written arguments."
"He understands litigation strategy. He is very good in court and on paper."
Alison Douglass has extensive experience with representing financial service providers in ERISA class actions, including those involving proprietary investment products.
"Alison is a talented ERISA litigator. She understands the intricacies of ERISA law and has a laser focus on the issues that will persuade the court."
"Alison's attention to detail and being focused on what we need is a breath of fresh air."
"Alison is an expert in her field and a pleasure to work with in every way."
Jaime Santos receives particular praise for her expert handling of ERISA claims at the appellate levels.
"She is very knowledgeable in the ERISA space."
"Jaime is an excellent brief writer."
"She is a very strong litigator."
Ranked Lawyers at
Goodwin
USA - Nationwide