Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
In today’s world, the people of an organization are its most important asset. In order to care for this critical resource, employers must provide a benefits and compensation package that is competitive in the marketplace, is aligned with the interests of the organization, and does not constitute a source of unnecessary risk or cost to the organization due to compliance issues.
Our benefits and executive compensation attorneys collaborate with clients of all sizes in a variety of different industries to design and develop benefit programs and incentive compensation arrangements that meet these key goals, while also navigating the complex regulatory and tax laws that impact these arrangements. Once programs are in place, we provide on-going counsel and support to ensure they are administered prudently and to address any compliance issues which may arise.
Our attorneys support organizations and other attorneys in situations where benefits and compensation issues are a priority and the skill, experience, and knowledge to handle those issues is a necessity. These circumstances include handling benefit issues that arise in corporate transactions, representing clients in ERISA litigation, supporting a client in an IRS or DOL audit relating to employee benefit plans, or advising public pension plans that are solely in the business of providing and administering retirement benefits for public employees.
Our attorneys also advise individual employees in connection with evaluating and negotiating compensation and incentive packages offered by their employer and mitigating any adverse tax consequences or risks.
Whatever the need or circumstance, our benefits and executive compensation attorneys strive to provide creative and cost-efficient solutions to best protect, manage, and retain our clients’ number one asset: their people.
Our employee benefits and executive compensation experience includes a variety of different compensation and benefit arrangements, as well as specialized areas practice. These areas of service include:
- Executive and Incentive Compensation
- Retirement Plans
- Public Pension Plans
- Health, Welfare and Fringe Benefit Plans/ACA Compliance
- Fiduciary Counsel and Governance
- ERISA Litigation
- Merger and Acquisition Support
- Section 409A Compliance and Deferred Compensation
- Plan Correction and IRS & DOL Audits
November 12, 2025
Mentions
US Employers Face Mounting Lawsuits Over Retirement Fund Fees | Financial Times
Steven W. Day featured in the Financial Times.
US workers are on pace to file a near-record number of class-action lawsuits over excessive fees in retirement plans this year, as lucrative settlements attract more plaintiff law firms to the issue.
November 7, 2025
Insights
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.
November 6, 2025
Spotlight
Jackson Walker Earns 27 National and 142 Metropolitan Rankings in 2026 Edition of “Best Law Firms”
Jackson Walker proudly announces its inclusion in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® by Best Lawyers. This year, Jackson Walker observed notable improvements in the rankings, including the addition of Construction Law as National Tier 3 and the advancement and additions of 14 practice areas in the metropolitan rankings.
September 26, 2025
Insights
Annual Enrollment Guidance: Pediatric Vaccine Coverage Mandates for Group Health Plans
By Greta E. Cowart
Recent headlines have provided us with information on changing approvals of recommended vaccines. It is important to remember that news items do not immediately impact group health plan coverage. As the group health plan rules continue to evolve, longstanding legal requirements still apply.
September 19, 2025
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates 12 Attorneys Named to ‘Lawdragon 500 Corporate Employment Lawyers’ List
Jackson Walker announces the selection of 12 attorneys to the “Lawdragon 500 Corporate Employment Lawyers” list for 2026.
September 18, 2025
Attorney News
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.
August 22, 2025
Insights
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.
