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Stephen is counsel in the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice group.  Stephen’s knowledge of both qualified plan and executive compensation matters combined with his in-house experience at a large international public company uniquely positions Stephen to provide clients with advice and creative solutions that are both legally compliant and practical. This combination of legal counseling and experience in a large international public organization provides him with valuable perspective and insight, including understanding the importance of being efficient when working with clients.

A recently filed lawsuit is a good reminder that self-insured health plan fiduciaries have a fiduciary duty to ensure that their health plans are being administered according to the plan’s terms and in compliance with law, while defraying the reasonable expenses of administering the plan.  In discharging this responsibility, plan fiduciaries must oversee any party

You are working hard to administer your benefit plan in accordance with all the requirements of ERISA and the Code when you receive a written request for “a copy of the bargaining agreement, trust agreement, contract or other instrument under which the plan is established or operated.” This language is directly from Section 104(b)(4) of