On June 4, 5, and 10, Jackson Walker partner Greta E. Cowart will serve as a program co-chair and moderator at the ERISA Fiduciary Institute. Throughout the program, she will moderate five panel discussions addressing critical issues in ERISA fiduciary prudence.

The Institute aims to present the latest advancements in ERISA fiduciary practices, emphasizing the significance of good governance and operational excellence amidst contemporary challenges from various quarters, including litigators, regulatory shifts, and the dynamic business environment.

Hosted virtually by the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Joint Committee on Employee Benefits (JCEB), the program will feature a lineup of leading ERISA attorneys, in-house counsel, and investment professionals. For further details, view the program brochure.

Here is a preview of the insightful sessions Greta will moderate:

• “ERISA Fiduciary Good Governance“: Explore the role of good governance in ensuring fiduciaries against ERISA litigation challenges. This session will focus on fundamental fiduciary duty principles and explore the governance process as a robust defense mechanism, spotlighting specific best practices.
• “Fiduciary Hot Topics“: Explore the latest Department of Labor initiatives, from audit endeavors to ESG regulations. Additionally, gain insights into key areas like the definition of a “fiduciary,” SECURE 2.0 initiatives, and other regulatory updates.
• “ERISA Fiduciary Litigations and Benefit Claim Strategies“: Gain valuable insights into recent ERISA fiduciary litigation trends, including fee disputes, actuarial claims, and arbitration utilization in benefit plan dispute resolution.
• “Cybersecurity Liability and Risk Mitigation Strategies for Employers“: Navigate the complexity of cybersecurity risks concerning benefit plans and discover effective strategies to lessen external and internal threats.
• “Ethical Issues Encountered By Attorneys Advising ERISA Plan Administrators Or Other ERISA Fiduciaries“: Examine ethical dilemmas in representing employee benefit plans and fiduciaries. This session will scrutinize Model Rules 1.2, 1.6, and 1.7, shedding light on their implications for advising plan fiduciaries, especially in light of court precedents suggesting the primary focus on plan participants.

Meet Greta

Greta E. Cowart has counseled employers for more than 30 years on best practices in human resources and employee relations related to benefits and executive compensation. In her practice, Greta routinely develops strategies for effective administration of claims and other disputes, including defense of grievances, and in ERISA claim litigation, while also considering applicable labor and employment laws. Greta also provides fiduciary training and review of fiduciary operations to improve the documentation of the fiduciary process.