Chuck Campbell
Practice Areas
Experience
- ERISA Litigation
- Executive and Incentive Compensation
- Health & Welfare Plans
- Investment Funds
- Public Pension Plans
- Retirement Plans
Biography
Chuck Campbell represents public and private sector clients in all areas of employee benefits and executive compensation. He regularly assists clients in the design, drafting, and compliance aspects of retirement plans (including 401(k), 403(b), and traditional pension plans), health and disability plans, deferred compensation plans (including handling aspects of 409A and 457 compliance), stock option and other equity compensation plans, severance arrangements, and executive employment agreements. In addition, a significant part of his practice involves representing public pension plans and their trustees. Chuck has unique experience addressing the varied issues that these organizations face, including issues surrounding plan administration, tax-qualified plan compliance, fiduciary responsibility, and plan investments.
Chuck also has extensive experience in handling the employee benefit issues involved in mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions, including the drafting and negotiation of relevant provisions in the transaction documents and the handling of the various transition issues that arise in such transactions. Because his practice focus is on federal income tax and ERISA issues, Chuck also represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor, including the filing of determination letter requests and submitting retirement plans under the voluntary correction program of the IRS.
Education
B.S., Washington and Lee University
J.D., with honors, University of Texas School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
- Restructure entire compensation program for large privately held company, including termination of existing non-qualified plans in compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, designing and drafting new long-term incentive compensation plans for executives and all employees, review existing annual bonus incentive plan, and negotiate and draft employment agreements for key executives.
- Perform detailed analysis relating to various documentation and operational issues arising under large employer’s 401(k) plan, including advise client with respect to corrective action under the IRS’ Employee Plan Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS), prepare Voluntary Correction Program filing with the IRS, and complete filing under Department of Labor’s Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program.
- Address all employee benefit issues in significant acquisition involving a publicly traded company, including advise client on all executive compensation issues arising due to change in control (severance, stock option vesting, etc.), analysis on potential withdrawal liability in connection with participation in multi-employer plan, and negotiate process for benefit transition in connection with transaction.
- Handle all legal matters for large municipal retirement system, including preparing request for determination letter on qualified status of the plan, drafting legislation and administrative rules with respect to plan design and operational matters, reviewing all benefit claims and qualified domestic relations orders, advising Board of Trustees on fiduciary implications of relevant actions, and reviewing and negotiating investment agreements.
- Counsel large multi-national corporation on health and welfare benefit plan matters, including eligibility issues under health plan, administrative issues relating to health flexible spending account plan and review of various plan communications to participants.
- Draft and implement broad-based stock incentive plan for local publicly-traded corporation, including design of vesting provisions tied to specific individual and organizational performance goals.
- Negotiate employment agreements and other compensation arrangements for chief executive officer, presidents, and other executive officers on behalf of various clients, including publicly traded corporations, large privately-held companies, federal credit unions, large non-profit institutions and private universities.
- Prepare investment policy statement in connection with hiring of new investment consultant by governmental defined contribution plan, including review and negotiation of investment consulting agreement.
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2008-2026
- Lawyer of the Year â Austin, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2019, 2021
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2008-2026
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2022-2025
- Bronze Leadership Award, Junior Achievement of Central Texas, 2006
- “Texas Rising Star,” Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2005
- Co-author, âFiduciary Considerations in Actuarial Assumptions: Insights from Recent ERISA Litigation,” The NAPPA Report (October 2025)
- Co-author, âChanges to the Texas Open Meetings Act Are Coming: Are You Ready?,â Jackson Walker Insights (August 2025)
- “Help Wanted: The Role Pension Benefits Play in the Struggle to Hire and Retain First Responders,” National Association of Public Pension Attorneys (NAPPA) 2023 Legal Education Conference, San Antonio, TX (June 2023)
- “Table Discussions of Hot Fiduciary and Governance Topics,” National Association of Public Pension Attorney (NAPPA) 2023 Winter Seminar, Tucson, AZ (February 2023)
- “Legal Issues That Arise When Trustees, Beneficiaries, Members Change Their Minds,” Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Educational Conference, Lakeway, TX (October 2022)
- â87th Legislative Session Update for Public Pension Plans,â Jackson Walker LLP Client Webinar (July 2021)
- âESG and the Near Term Impact to the Energy Industry,â Jackson Walker LLP Client Webinar (June 2021)
- âESG Investing and Consideration of Non-Financial Factors: An Overview of Recent DOL Guidance and Fiduciary Implications for Your Fund,â National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) Fall Conference (Webinar) (February 2021)
- “Retirement Plans to Fit Any ESD,” SAFE-D 19th Annual Conference, Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts, Galveston, TX (February 2020)
- “The Nuts & Bolts of Board Governance,â National Association of Public Pension Attorneys (NAPPA) Winter Meeting, Tempe, AZ (February 2020)
- “This Play is Under Further Review: Legal & Regulatory Developments in the Benefit Claims and Appeals Process,” 2020 Legislative Conference, National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS), Washington, D.C. (January 2020)
- Panelist, “Preparing Your 401(k) Plan for Inspection,” Southwest Benefits Association (SWBA) 2019 Webinar Series, (June 2019)
- âLegal Implications and Ethics of Trustee Communications â When Talk is NOT Cheap,â National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) Annual Conference-Trustee Educational Seminar, Austin, TX (May 2019)
- âFiduciary Considerations In Determining Actuarial Assumptions,â National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) Public Safety Conference, Las Vegas, NV (October 2018)
- âCurrent Legal Issues Facing Your Fund,â Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Educational Conference, Temple, TX (September 2018)
- âTrustees Say the Darndest Things â Trustee Communications and Your Obligations as Counsel,â National Association of Public Pension Attorneys (NAPPA) 2018 Legal Conference, Savannah, GA (June 2018)
- Austin Human Resources Management Association
- Austin Young Lawyers Association
- Good Shepherd Episcopal School
- Board of Trustees, 2007-2011
- President, 2008-2010
- Junior Achievement of Central Texas
- Board of Trustees, 2003-2011
- Executive Committee
- Memorial Endowment Fund of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Board of Trustees
- National Association of Public Pension Attorneys
- Travis County Bar Association
- West Austin Youth Association
- Soccer Coach
- Basketball Coach
- Flag Football Coach
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 readerâs 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
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
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 106 âOnes to Watchâ
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 yearâs 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
‘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 yearâs 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
Chuck Campbell to Speak at the National Association of Public Pension Attorneys Legal Education Conference
Jackson Walker partner Chuck Campbell is scheduled to present during the National Association of Public Pension Attorneys (NAPPA) 2023 Legal Education Conference on Thursday, June 29, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas.
Speaking Engagements • June 13, 2023
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 18, 2022
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 178 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2022 Edition, Including 8 “Lawyers of the Year” and 31 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 178 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 67 specialty practice areas in its 2022 edition, including 8 Lawyers of the Year and 31 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 19, 2021
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Honors 164 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2021 Edition, Including 9 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 25 “Ones to Watch”
Jackson Walker congratulates the 164 attorneys who were selected by their peers as Best Lawyers, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 25 Ones to Watch, across 6 offices and 66 specialty practice areas.
Attorney News • August 20, 2020
Labor & Employment Dispatch: August 2019
Featuring insights on the U.S. National Women’s Soccer Team’s lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation to close the gender pay gap; the labor and employment and ERISA attorneys recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2020 edition; and more.
Newsletters • August 20, 2019
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
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 98 Jackson Walker Attorneys
Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas. For over three decades, recognition in Best Lawyers has been regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, since an attorney cannot pay to be listed.
Attorney News • August 16, 2018
Jackson Walker ERISA Attorneys Speak at Fiduciary Forum
Jackson Walker partners Jonathan Neerman, Chuck Campbell, and Jim Griffin recently shared their experience in ERISA law with audience members at a Fiduciary Forum hosted by John Hancock Investments and TIAA-CREF.
Speaking Engagements • October 17, 2017
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 94 Jackson Walker Attorneys
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 94 Jackson Walker attorneys in its 2018 edition. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 15, 2017
Practice Experience
- Restructure entire compensation program for large privately held company, including termination of existing non-qualified plans in compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, designing and drafting new long-term incentive compensation plans for executives and all employees, review existing annual bonus incentive plan, and negotiate and draft employment agreements for key executives.
- Perform detailed analysis relating to various documentation and operational issues arising under large employer’s 401(k) plan, including advise client with respect to corrective action under the IRS’ Employee Plan Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS), prepare Voluntary Correction Program filing with the IRS, and complete filing under Department of Labor’s Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program.
- Address all employee benefit issues in significant acquisition involving a publicly traded company, including advise client on all executive compensation issues arising due to change in control (severance, stock option vesting, etc.), analysis on potential withdrawal liability in connection with participation in multi-employer plan, and negotiate process for benefit transition in connection with transaction.
- Handle all legal matters for large municipal retirement system, including preparing request for determination letter on qualified status of the plan, drafting legislation and administrative rules with respect to plan design and operational matters, reviewing all benefit claims and qualified domestic relations orders, advising Board of Trustees on fiduciary implications of relevant actions, and reviewing and negotiating investment agreements.
- Counsel large multi-national corporation on health and welfare benefit plan matters, including eligibility issues under health plan, administrative issues relating to health flexible spending account plan and review of various plan communications to participants.
- Draft and implement broad-based stock incentive plan for local publicly-traded corporation, including design of vesting provisions tied to specific individual and organizational performance goals.
- Negotiate employment agreements and other compensation arrangements for chief executive officer, presidents, and other executive officers on behalf of various clients, including publicly traded corporations, large privately-held companies, federal credit unions, large non-profit institutions and private universities.
- Prepare investment policy statement in connection with hiring of new investment consultant by governmental defined contribution plan, including review and negotiation of investment consulting agreement.
Recognition & Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2008-2026
- Lawyer of the Year â Austin, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2019, 2021
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2008-2026
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2022-2025
- Bronze Leadership Award, Junior Achievement of Central Texas, 2006
- “Texas Rising Star,” Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2005
Publications & Speeches
- Co-author, âFiduciary Considerations in Actuarial Assumptions: Insights from Recent ERISA Litigation,” The NAPPA Report (October 2025)
- Co-author, âChanges to the Texas Open Meetings Act Are Coming: Are You Ready?,â Jackson Walker Insights (August 2025)
- “Help Wanted: The Role Pension Benefits Play in the Struggle to Hire and Retain First Responders,” National Association of Public Pension Attorneys (NAPPA) 2023 Legal Education Conference, San Antonio, TX (June 2023)
- “Table Discussions of Hot Fiduciary and Governance Topics,” National Association of Public Pension Attorney (NAPPA) 2023 Winter Seminar, Tucson, AZ (February 2023)
- “Legal Issues That Arise When Trustees, Beneficiaries, Members Change Their Minds,” Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Educational Conference, Lakeway, TX (October 2022)
- â87th Legislative Session Update for Public Pension Plans,â Jackson Walker LLP Client Webinar (July 2021)
- âESG and the Near Term Impact to the Energy Industry,â Jackson Walker LLP Client Webinar (June 2021)
- âESG Investing and Consideration of Non-Financial Factors: An Overview of Recent DOL Guidance and Fiduciary Implications for Your Fund,â National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) Fall Conference (Webinar) (February 2021)
- “Retirement Plans to Fit Any ESD,” SAFE-D 19th Annual Conference, Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts, Galveston, TX (February 2020)
- “The Nuts & Bolts of Board Governance,â National Association of Public Pension Attorneys (NAPPA) Winter Meeting, Tempe, AZ (February 2020)
- “This Play is Under Further Review: Legal & Regulatory Developments in the Benefit Claims and Appeals Process,” 2020 Legislative Conference, National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS), Washington, D.C. (January 2020)
- Panelist, “Preparing Your 401(k) Plan for Inspection,” Southwest Benefits Association (SWBA) 2019 Webinar Series, (June 2019)
- âLegal Implications and Ethics of Trustee Communications â When Talk is NOT Cheap,â National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) Annual Conference-Trustee Educational Seminar, Austin, TX (May 2019)
- âFiduciary Considerations In Determining Actuarial Assumptions,â National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) Public Safety Conference, Las Vegas, NV (October 2018)
- âCurrent Legal Issues Facing Your Fund,â Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Educational Conference, Temple, TX (September 2018)
- âTrustees Say the Darndest Things â Trustee Communications and Your Obligations as Counsel,â National Association of Public Pension Attorneys (NAPPA) 2018 Legal Conference, Savannah, GA (June 2018)
Community Involvement
- Austin Human Resources Management Association
- Austin Young Lawyers Association
- Good Shepherd Episcopal School
- Board of Trustees, 2007-2011
- President, 2008-2010
- Junior Achievement of Central Texas
- Board of Trustees, 2003-2011
- Executive Committee
- Memorial Endowment Fund of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Board of Trustees
- National Association of Public Pension Attorneys
- Travis County Bar Association
- West Austin Youth Association
- Soccer Coach
- Basketball Coach
- Flag Football Coach