What In-House Attorneys Overseeing Employee Benefits Matters Should Know

Employer-sponsored benefit plans and compensation programs are governed by a myriad of laws, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code (Code), and the Affordable Care Act, just to name a few.  In this program, Epstein Becker Green partner, Michelle Capezza, explores various employer-sponsored programs and provides an overview of many issues that in-house attorneys should be familiar with in order to maintain compliance. This program serves as a broad introduction to employee benefits.

Ms. Capezza begins this program with a brief overview of retirement plans, health and welfare plans, deferred compensation arrangements, and related trends in these areas. Next, the program addresses fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA for applicable programs and best practices. Ms. Capezza comments on several plan correction programs that are available and when they should be explored.  Ms. Capezza also addresses common issues that arise in employment and severance arrangements, including with regard to Section 409A of the Code. Finally, Ms. Capezza addresses diligence issues in corporate transactions. Join Lawline and Ms. Capezza for this comprehensive overview of employer-sponsored benefit plans and compensation arrangements and the key issues with which in-house professionals should be familiar.

Learning Objectives:

I.     Understand the different types of employer-sponsored benefit programs and compensation arrangements

II.    Develop best practices related to fiduciary responsibilities

III.   Identify plan compliance issues and implement timely correction of errors

IV.   Create compensation arrangements that comply with Section 409A of the Code 

V.    Address benefits issues in corporate transactions