The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that when fiduciary misconduct reduces the value of an individual account in a defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k), the harmed employee can sue for damages. In the past, courts have taken the contrary position that the federal employee benefits law only allowed lawsuits for harm to the plan as a whole.
But now, because of this new ruling, employers that offer defined contribution plans could soon see a deluge of employee claims over losses in individual accounts. How can you protect yourself?
Join us on May 29 for an in-depth audio conference all about this new ruling and what it means for you. Our two experts – both experienced employee benefits attorneys – will explain:
- What the new ruling means – in plain English
- The new risks you, as a defined contribution plan sponsor, now face
- How to conduct a risk audit and fix your weak spots now, before they leave you open to lawsuits
- The best way to ensure your employees involved in plan administration are receiving proper training and supervision
- Why you might want to consider purchasing fiduciary insurance
- The two ways you can legally transfer some risk for individual losses to a third party
Thursday, May 29, 2008
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (PST)
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (MST)
12:30 to 2:00 p.m. (CST)
1:30 to 3:00 p.m. (EST)
About Your Speakers:
D. Ward Kallstrom, Esq., is a partner at the San Francisco, California, office of law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP. He is a member of the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice and co-chair of the ERISA Litigation Subpractice Group. In his practice, Kallstrom focuses on labor and employment law, employee benefits, and fiduciary advice and litigation. He is a nationally known labor and employment attorney, named in 1998 by The National Law Journal as one of the top management side benefits litigators in the nation. He is a fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, and charter fellow and former governor of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel. He also serves as a management member of the Council of the Section of Labor and Employment Law of the American Bar Association (ABA).
Donald P. Sullivan, Esq., is an associate at the San Francisco, California, office of law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP. He is a member of the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice, where he specializes in employee benefits and fiduciary liability litigation under ERISA. Sullivan has a significant background in federal litigation, and has appeared in the courts of California, Colorado, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, and Alabama. Since he began focusing on ERISA litigation in 2000, he has secured summary judgment or dismissal with prejudice numerous times on behalf of his clients. He also regularly represents the employer trustees of a large multi-employer pension plan in arbitration. Prior to joining Morgan Lewis, Sullivan clerked for Judge Everett A. Martin of the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Virginia.
Approved for Recertification Credit
This program has been approved for 1.5 recertification credit hours toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org.
How Do Audio Conferences Work?
An audio conference is remarkably cost-effective and convenient. You participate from your office, using a regular telephone. You have no travel costs and no out-of-office time.
Plus, for one low price you can get as many people in your office to participate as you can fit around a speakerphone.
Because the conference is live, you can ask the speakers questions—either on the phone or via e-mail.
With your registration, you also receive conference materials, with additional practical information from Business & Legal Reports, sent to you via e-mail shortly before the conference.
Why You Can Sign Up to Attend This Event with Confidence
As with all Business & Legal Reports products, you're completely protected. If, for any reason, you are unsatisfied with this audio conference, simply let us know, and we will return your entire registration fee.
