For the past 40 years Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. has had a very active and dynamic ERISA practice which is highlighted below.
We are responsible for the design and ongoing compliance matters for approximately 400 qualified plans including approximately 370 defined contribution and 30 defined benefit plans. The vast majority of the defined contribution plans are governed by Code Section 401(k). The plans range from small plans (under 100 participants) to plans covering thousands of employees. Some of the plans are collectively bargained, others are non-union plans, and some plans cover both union and non-union employees.
Many of our qualified plan clients also look to Foster Swift to design and draft non-qualified executive deferred compensation arrangements, bonus programs, severance benefit plans and welfare benefit plans, including VEBAs, reimbursement plans, retiree health plans and health plans for active employees. We also address COBRA issues and cafeteria plan issues.
We represent hundreds of employers regarding ERISA matters. Examples include:
- We provide employee benefits advice and related tax advice to a large insurance company that has operations in many states. Our work includes 401(k) and 409A plans covering many thousands of individuals, as well as welfare benefits work.
- We provide employee benefits and related tax advice to a large public institution of higher education. Our work includes multiple defined contribution plans and 409A plans covering more than 15,000 individuals, as well as welfare benefits work.
- We provide employee benefits and related tax advice to a large healthcare system. Our work includes defined benefit and defined contribution plans covering many thousands of individuals, as well as welfare benefits work.
- We represent employers in contested matters involving ERISA.
Recent Blog Posts
Publications & Alerts
- The Ninth Circuit Questions the Sixth Circuit's Understanding of "Actual Knowledge" in ERISA Statute of Limitations Decision, January 2019 Business & Tax Law News, December 13, 2018
- New Disability Claims Procedures Take Effect on April 1st, March 2018 Business & Corporate Law News, March 12, 2018
- United States Supreme Court Decision Upholds ERISA Church Plan Exemption for Church-Affiliated Organizations, September 28, 2017
- Service Provider Fee Disclosure Final Regulation and Participant Level Fee Disclosure Final Regulation, Foster Swift Employment, Labor & Benefits Quarterly, Summer 2012
- Equitable Relief May Be Available to Employees to Reform Misstatements Made in SPDs, Foster Swift Employment, Labor & Benefits Quarterly, Fall 2011
- United States Supreme Court Addresses Legal Significance of a Summary Plan Description, Foster Swift Employment, Labor & Benefits Quarterly, Summer 2011
News
- Foster Swift Rated Tier 1 in 27 Practice Areas in Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms", November 1, 2018
- Attorney Howard Named to Novi Planning Commission, Detroit Legal News, January 19, 2018
- 30 Foster Swift Attorneys Selected to 2017 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists, September 8, 2017