Employee Benefits Plans and ERISA

Andrews Davis assists clients with the design and operation aspects of qualified and non-qualified employee benefit plans as required by the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA.

Our practice also concentrates on the tax effects, fiduciary liabilities and the myriad of legal issues that arise under federal labor and securities laws and state law in connection with employee benefits. Our attorneys specializing in employee benefits provide cost-effective drafting of clear and concise employee benefit documents. These documents are tailored to permit our clients to administer their own plans with existing personnel, if desired. We also consult with clients regarding plan administration matters, including employee communications.

In addition to the representation of employers in the design and implementation of employee benefit plans and executive compensation programs, we represent executives in the negotiation of compensation arrangements. We also assist clients with regard to employee benefit issues that arise in the negotiation of corporate transactions such as acquisitions, mergers, credit arrangements and public offerings.

Recent projects on behalf of our clients include the integration of benefit plan structures after a corporate acquisition and drafting and assisting in the adoption of a variety of stock incentive programs.

Our services include:

• Design, implementation and tax qualification of ESOPs and pension and profit sharing plans
• Stock options and phantom stock plans
• Stock purchase plans
• Executive compensation
• Taxation and fiduciary obligations
• Rulings and exemptions from the Department of Labor and IRS
• Tax and estate planning for retirement benefits

Practicing Attorneys

• James F. Davis
• Mark H. Price