This course will focus on the legal framework governing employee benefits with particular emphasis on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) practice and litigation. The course examines the regulatory and compliance requirements of employer sponsored plan benefits, including retirement plans, for example 401K, pensions, and health and disability plans.

Regardless of the nature of your legal practice, you will most likely interact with employer sponsored benefit plans and ERISA. Due to the increased employment opportunities in this area, the course will emphasize the practical scenarios you are likely to meet in practice.

Topics covered will include reporting and disclosure, plan governance, tax compliance and incentives, fiduciary responsibilities, claim denials and appeals, enforcement of employee benefits rights through ERISA litigation, preemption of state law and the rights and obligations of both the employers and employees.

There is no prerequisite for this course. Final grade will be based on two assignments.