Alyca Riley Garrison
Practice Areas
Experience
- ERISA Litigation
- Executive and Incentive Compensation
- Health & Welfare Plans
- Investment Funds
- Public Pension Plans
- Retirement Plans
Biography
Alyca Garrison is a partner in Jackson Walker’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice. As a CPA and former tax accountant, Alyca is uniquely equipped to advise both public and private sector clients in all areas of employee benefits and executive compensation law.
Alyca regularly assists clients with design, compliance, and tax issues related to all types of employee benefit plans, including retirement plans, incentive and equity compensation plans, deferred compensation arrangements that fall within the scope of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, severance and employment agreements, and transaction bonus or change-in-control plans. Alyca also counsels clients in connection with corrective filings under the voluntary correction programs sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor. In addition, Alyca regularly works with Jackson Walker’s Corporate & Securities practice to address employee benefit and executive compensation issues that arise in mergers and acquisitions, including reviewing the employee benefits provisions of transactional documents, advising on Code Section 409A and 280G issues, and assisting with transition issues related to employee benefit plans.
A significant part of Alyca’s practice involves representing and advising municipal and statewide public pension plans in the state of Texas on a variety of issues arising under federal and state law, including plan administration and benefits, statutory interpretation, fiduciary and governance matters, plan qualification, tax compliance, and plan investments. Alyca has worked with a number of public safety plans and understands the unique challenges those plans face when providing retirement benefits to first responders. Alyca has become a trusted advisor for her clients in both day-to-day administrative matters and when facing difficult situations, including fiduciary and governance issues.
Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Alyca worked as a Tax Manager at one of the Big 4 Accounting firms. Alyca’s experience and background as a certified public accountant allow her to effectively counsel clients in navigating the complex employee benefit and compensation provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and state law.
Education
B.B.A. Accounting, magna cum laude, Baylor University
- Master of Taxation (MTax), Baylor University
J.D., magna cum laude, Baylor University School of Law
- Technical Editor, Baylor Law Review
Certified Public Accountant, Texas, 2009
Bar Admissions
Texas
Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation
- Review and negotiate compensatory aspects of employment agreements and separation agreements on behalf of executive-level employees and employers
- Draft and assist with implementation of equity and equity-based incentive plans for a variety of employers, including corporations, LLCs and partnerships
- Review and counsel clients on structure and design of annual or long-term bonus arrangements to meet underlying business needs
- Assist clients with termination and wrap up of 401(k) plan in connection with acquisition of company
- Counsel clients on the need to take corrective action for errors under qualified retirement plans, including filing through one of the correction programs sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service or Department of Labor involving plan qualification or fiduciary issues
- Advise on controlled group and affiliated service group issues in connection with benefit plan offerings for affiliated employers
- Counsel clients through the application of Section 280G in the context of a transaction, including review of detailed calculations and preparation of employee waivers, shareholder disclosure memorandums and voting resolutions
- Assist clients in correcting non-compliant compensatory arrangements pursuant to the IRS’s Section 409A correction notices and other guidance
Governmental Public Pension Plans
- Attend board and committee meetings for municipal and statewide public pension plans to advise and provide real time guidance on issues involving plan qualification, ethics, and legal matters, including the Texas Open Meetings Act
- Advise public pension plans of all sizes on plan administrative issues, including drafting and reviewing policies and procedures, advising on qualified domestic relation orders, assisting with disability determinations, reviewing claims for benefits, and handling a variety of matters involving benefits for member and beneficiaries.
- Advise clients on responding to Public Information Act requests and process for requesting a decision from the Attorney General
- Prepare extensive briefing in connection with successful requests for decision from the Texas Attorney General in response to multiple Public Information Act requests to which the AG ruled in favor of the governmental entity
- Provide fiduciary and ethics training for board members of various public pension systems
- Draft significant state legislation to reflect updated design elements and ensure qualified plan compliance for municipal retirement systems and assist such systems in navigating the legislative process
- Review subscription agreements for private equity investments and negotiate side letters to address state law issues, including open meeting and public information act limitations on confidentiality obligations, indemnity limitations, sovereign immunity rights, fiduciary and governance issues and other general investor concerns
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (Woodward/White Inc.), 2024-2026
- Labor and Employment Law – Management, 2024-2026
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2026
- Rising Star – Top Texas Women, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters for 2023
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2026
- Co-author, “Fiduciary Considerations in Actuarial Assumptions: Insights from Recent ERISA Litigation,” The NAPPA Report (October 2025)
- Co-author, “Changes to the Texas Open Meetings Act Are Coming: Are You Ready?,” Jackson Walker Insights (August 2025)
- Speaker, “Who Does What? A Brief Look at Roles and Responsibilities related to Securities Litigation,” TEXPERS Annual Conference, (March 2025)
- Speaker, “Forfeitures and Recent Developments”, ALI CLE Employee Benefit Plans of Tax-Exempt and Governmental Employers 2024 Conference (November 2024)
- Speaker, “Legal Issues Facing TLFFRA Funds” – Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Conference (October 2024)
- Speaker, “Don’t Stop Believing (in Agency Deference)!” – National Association of Public Pension Attorneys, 2024 Legal Education Conference (June 2024)
- Speaker, “Equity Compensation 101: What Every Tax Lawyer Needs to Know When Advising Michael Scott About an Equity Compensation Plan” – State Bar of Texas, Tax Section, Tax Law in a Day (February 2024)
- Speaker, “Legal Issues Facing TLFFRA Funds” – Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Conference (October 2023)
- Speaker, “Legislative Update for Texas Public Pension Plans: 88th Texas Legislative Session and SECURE Act 2.0” – Jackson Walker LLP, Client Webinar (June 2023)
- Speaker, “What Every Tax Practitioner Needs to Know About Deferred Compensation: A 409A Primer”, State Bar of Texas, Tax Section, Tax Law in a Day (January 2023)
- Speaker, “87th Legislative Session: Update for Texas Public Pension Plans” – Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Conference (October 2021)
- Speaker, “87th Legislative Session: Update for Texas Public Pension Plans,” Jackson Walker LLP, Client Webinar (July 2021)
- Speaker, “ESG Investing and Consideration of Non-Financial Factors: An Overview of Recent DOL Guidance and Fiduciary Implications for Your Fund,” National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) Fall Conference (Webinar) (February 2021)
- Speaker, “ESG Investing and Consideration of Non-Financial Factors: An Overview of Recent DOL Guidance and Fiduciary Implications for Your Fund,” Jackson Walker LLP, Client Webinar (December 2020)
- Guest, “Texas Open Meetings Act in the Era of Social Distancing,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (April 2020)
- Speaker, “Legislative Developments, Legal Issues and Best Practices for Your Funds”, Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Conference (September 2019)
- Panelist, “Preparing Your 401(k) Plan for Inspection,” Southwest Benefits Association (SWBA) 2019 Webinar Series, (June 2019)
- Author, “IRS Provides for Expedited Loans and Hardship Distributions from Retirement Plans,” Jackson Walker Insights (September 2017)
- National Association of Public Pension Attorneys, Benefits Committee, 2024-present
- Texas Association of Public Pension Attorneys, Vice President, 2017-2018
- American Bar Association – Tax Section
- Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Hyde Park Schools, Austin, TX
- Board Member, 2014-2016; August 2024 – present
- Advisory Board Member, August 2021 – July 2024
Fiduciary Considerations in Actuarial Assumptions: Insights from Recent ERISA Litigation
By Chuck Campbell, Alyca Garrison, and Laurel Malone
This issue of The NAPPA Report examines recent ERISA decisions and their implications for pension plan fiduciaries, with a particular focus on the use of actuarial assumptions in plan administration.
The NAPPA Report is primarily intended for the personal educational use of NAPPA members, and to provide general information only. It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The reader should consult with legal counsel to determine how laws or decisions discussed herein apply to the reader’s specific circumstances. The views and opinions expressed in The NAPPA Report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of NAPPA; The NAPPA Report does not require peer review of the articles published. The NAPPA Report is subject to copyright, and circulation is limited to NAPPA members. Permission to use, copy, or reprint this newsletter or its contents for any other purpose requires the advance written permission of NAPPA.
Insights • November 7, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates 2025 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the recognition of 75 attorneys by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers in the 2025 “Texas Super Lawyers” list, as well as 66 attorneys as “Texas Rising Stars” for 2025. Each year, less than 5% of attorneys are selected to Super Lawyers and 2.5% to Rising Stars. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 18, 2025
Changes to the Texas Open Meetings Act Are Coming: Are You Ready?
By Chuck Campbell and Alyca Garrison
During the 89th Texas Legislative Session, two key changes were made to the posting requirements under the Texas Open Meetings Act that governmental entities should be aware of. These changes take effect on September 1, 2025.
Insights • August 22, 2025
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 “Lawyers of the Year” and 106 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 15, 2024
Jessica Palvino and Alyca Garrison to Present at Tax Law in a Day Conference
Jackson Walker senior counsel Jessica B. Palvino and associate Alyca Garrison are scheduled to present during the Tax Law in a Day Conference, sharing key insights for tax lawyers advising on Equity Compensation Plans.
Speaking Engagements • February 2, 2024
Super Lawyers Names 31 Jackson Walker Attorneys in Texas Top Women 2024 Magazine
Jackson Walker congratulates the 31 attorneys who were included in the Texas Top Women 2024 Magazine published by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers. The annual Texas Top Texas Women edition includes the highest-rated women attorneys across the “Texas Rising Stars” and “Texas Super Lawyers” lists in a given practice area.
Attorney News • January 11, 2024
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 17, 2023
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 2023 Texas Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 63 attorneys to Thomson Reuters’ 2023 “Super Lawyers – Rising Stars” list, which recognizes only 5% of Texas attorneys who either are 40 years of age or younger or have been in practice for 10 years or less.
Attorney News • March 23, 2023
Jessica Palvino and Alyca Riley Garrison to Speak at Tax Law in a Day Conference
Jackson Walker senior counsel Jessica B. Palvino and associate Alyca Riley Garrison are scheduled to present during the Tax Law in a Day Conference, providing insights on Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Sponsored by the Tax Section of the State Bar of Texas, the conference will be held online on February 2-3, 2023.
Speaking Engagements • January 27, 2023
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 2022 Texas Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 51 attorneys to Thomson Reuters’ 2022 “Super Lawyers – Rising Stars” list, which recognizes only 2.5% of Texas attorneys who either are 40 years of age or younger or have been in practice for 10 years or less.
Attorney News • March 22, 2022
Labor & Employment Dispatch: June 2019
Featuring insights on the proposed rule “Joint Employer Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act”; Jackson Walker’s representation of Pathologists Bio-Medical Laboratories in its sale to PathGroup; the addition of Investment Immigration as a practice area; and recent news from around the Firm.
Newsletters • June 3, 2019
Practice Experience
Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation
- Review and negotiate compensatory aspects of employment agreements and separation agreements on behalf of executive-level employees and employers
- Draft and assist with implementation of equity and equity-based incentive plans for a variety of employers, including corporations, LLCs and partnerships
- Review and counsel clients on structure and design of annual or long-term bonus arrangements to meet underlying business needs
- Assist clients with termination and wrap up of 401(k) plan in connection with acquisition of company
- Counsel clients on the need to take corrective action for errors under qualified retirement plans, including filing through one of the correction programs sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service or Department of Labor involving plan qualification or fiduciary issues
- Advise on controlled group and affiliated service group issues in connection with benefit plan offerings for affiliated employers
- Counsel clients through the application of Section 280G in the context of a transaction, including review of detailed calculations and preparation of employee waivers, shareholder disclosure memorandums and voting resolutions
- Assist clients in correcting non-compliant compensatory arrangements pursuant to the IRS’s Section 409A correction notices and other guidance
Governmental Public Pension Plans
- Attend board and committee meetings for municipal and statewide public pension plans to advise and provide real time guidance on issues involving plan qualification, ethics, and legal matters, including the Texas Open Meetings Act
- Advise public pension plans of all sizes on plan administrative issues, including drafting and reviewing policies and procedures, advising on qualified domestic relation orders, assisting with disability determinations, reviewing claims for benefits, and handling a variety of matters involving benefits for member and beneficiaries.
- Advise clients on responding to Public Information Act requests and process for requesting a decision from the Attorney General
- Prepare extensive briefing in connection with successful requests for decision from the Texas Attorney General in response to multiple Public Information Act requests to which the AG ruled in favor of the governmental entity
- Provide fiduciary and ethics training for board members of various public pension systems
- Draft significant state legislation to reflect updated design elements and ensure qualified plan compliance for municipal retirement systems and assist such systems in navigating the legislative process
- Review subscription agreements for private equity investments and negotiate side letters to address state law issues, including open meeting and public information act limitations on confidentiality obligations, indemnity limitations, sovereign immunity rights, fiduciary and governance issues and other general investor concerns
Recognition & Accolades
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (Woodward/White Inc.), 2024-2026
- Labor and Employment Law – Management, 2024-2026
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2026
- Rising Star – Top Texas Women, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters for 2023
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2026
Publications & Speeches
- Co-author, “Fiduciary Considerations in Actuarial Assumptions: Insights from Recent ERISA Litigation,” The NAPPA Report (October 2025)
- Co-author, “Changes to the Texas Open Meetings Act Are Coming: Are You Ready?,” Jackson Walker Insights (August 2025)
- Speaker, “Who Does What? A Brief Look at Roles and Responsibilities related to Securities Litigation,” TEXPERS Annual Conference, (March 2025)
- Speaker, “Forfeitures and Recent Developments”, ALI CLE Employee Benefit Plans of Tax-Exempt and Governmental Employers 2024 Conference (November 2024)
- Speaker, “Legal Issues Facing TLFFRA Funds” – Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Conference (October 2024)
- Speaker, “Don’t Stop Believing (in Agency Deference)!” – National Association of Public Pension Attorneys, 2024 Legal Education Conference (June 2024)
- Speaker, “Equity Compensation 101: What Every Tax Lawyer Needs to Know When Advising Michael Scott About an Equity Compensation Plan” – State Bar of Texas, Tax Section, Tax Law in a Day (February 2024)
- Speaker, “Legal Issues Facing TLFFRA Funds” – Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Conference (October 2023)
- Speaker, “Legislative Update for Texas Public Pension Plans: 88th Texas Legislative Session and SECURE Act 2.0” – Jackson Walker LLP, Client Webinar (June 2023)
- Speaker, “What Every Tax Practitioner Needs to Know About Deferred Compensation: A 409A Primer”, State Bar of Texas, Tax Section, Tax Law in a Day (January 2023)
- Speaker, “87th Legislative Session: Update for Texas Public Pension Plans” – Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Conference (October 2021)
- Speaker, “87th Legislative Session: Update for Texas Public Pension Plans,” Jackson Walker LLP, Client Webinar (July 2021)
- Speaker, “ESG Investing and Consideration of Non-Financial Factors: An Overview of Recent DOL Guidance and Fiduciary Implications for Your Fund,” National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) Fall Conference (Webinar) (February 2021)
- Speaker, “ESG Investing and Consideration of Non-Financial Factors: An Overview of Recent DOL Guidance and Fiduciary Implications for Your Fund,” Jackson Walker LLP, Client Webinar (December 2020)
- Guest, “Texas Open Meetings Act in the Era of Social Distancing,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (April 2020)
- Speaker, “Legislative Developments, Legal Issues and Best Practices for Your Funds”, Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Conference (September 2019)
- Panelist, “Preparing Your 401(k) Plan for Inspection,” Southwest Benefits Association (SWBA) 2019 Webinar Series, (June 2019)
- Author, “IRS Provides for Expedited Loans and Hardship Distributions from Retirement Plans,” Jackson Walker Insights (September 2017)
Community Involvement
- National Association of Public Pension Attorneys, Benefits Committee, 2024-present
- Texas Association of Public Pension Attorneys, Vice President, 2017-2018
- American Bar Association – Tax Section
- Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Hyde Park Schools, Austin, TX
- Board Member, 2014-2016; August 2024 – present
- Advisory Board Member, August 2021 – July 2024