Bloomberg BNA to host webinar on 2013 ERISA litigation decisions

Bloomberg BNA will host a 90-minute webinar on June 19 focused on the complexities of monitoring and the selection of investments and fees for Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) plans. The webinar, ERISA Plan Investments: From Precautions to Plan Amendments, will be presented in partnership with the In-House Benefit Counsel Network (IBCN). In 2013, there has been a significant increase both in litigation and notable court decisions. In addition to the year to date review of these cases, this webinar will also present the lessons to learn and provide tips to attendees on plan changes to consider in light of recent developments.

Attendees will be brought “inside the 401(k) committee room” to hear about organizational alternatives, such as charters and investment policies. This program will devote attention to discussing and reviewing target date funds and complex investment alternatives. The discussion will provide expert insight into the Department of Labor’s recent “tips” for fiduciaries and how to respond to them.  The panel will address the many risks that employers and ERISA fiduciaries face and how to take the right precautions.

Register now for this webinar to:

• Learn about the key 2013 ERISA litigation decisions relating to the selection and monitoring of 401(k) plan investments.
• Understand the best and worst practices that ERISA fiduciaries should consider with regard to particular investments and the involvement of outside advisors.
• Find out how ERISA fiduciaries should address target date funds.
• Determine plan changes that will better position an employer and its ERISA fiduciaries for claims and litigation.

Speakers

Maureen Dry-Wasson, Allegis Group, Inc.

Maureen Dry-Wasson is an Assistant General Counsel at Allegis Group, Inc. and is Division General Counsel for all of Allegis Group’s Canadian operations as well as Division General Counsel for Major, Lindsey & Africa. In addition, she is responsible for all benefits issues for all of Allegis Group’s U.S. companies as well as any information regarding security and privacy issues. Mrs. Dry-Wasson has been an in-house attorney for 17 years. She currently serves as legal counsel to her company’s ERISA fiduciary committees. Mrs. Dry-Wasson earned a J.D., with honors, from the University of Maryland, and a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Virginia. She is admitted to the Bars of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Khalif Ford, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Khalif Ford’s practice focuses primarily on retirement plan considerations. He began his career working as a Pension Analyst for the Employee Benefit Security Administration of the Department of Labor. Mr. Ford subsequently left the Department of Labor for private practice, where he was an associate with Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP. He then transitioned to Nationwide Insurance, where he supported the company’s retirement plan recordkeeping and custodial business as Managing Counsel. Mr. Ford now serves as Senior Counsel for Northrop Grumman Corporation, where he supports the company’s retirement plan benefits. Mr. Ford earned a J.D. from Howard University School of Law.

J. Mark Poerio, Paul Hastings LLP

Mark Poerio is a partner in the Employment Law practice of Paul Hastings, and co-chairs its ERISA and Global Benefits Practice. For 25 years, Mr. Poerio has been in private practice with a focus on executive compensation and employee benefit matters, especially from a business, governance, tax, and securities perspective. He works regularly and globally with every Paul Hastings office and has significant pro bono representations relating to not-for-profit governance, executive compensation, and tax matters. He is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown Law. Mr. Poerio earned a J.D., cum laude, from Cornell Law School and a B.A., cum laude, from the University of Virginia. He is admitted to the District of Columbia Bar.

Patricia Spraguer, Express-Scripts

Pat Spraguer is the Assistant General Counsel for Compensation and Benefits at Express-Scripts and has been a compensation and benefits counsel for more than 20 years, both in private practice and in-house. She has advised on all aspects of ERISA-covered plans, compensation programs, payroll, employment tax, benefits and compensation issues. Ms. Spraguer currently serves as legal counsel to her company’s ERISA fiduciary committees. Ms. Spraguer earned a J.D., with honors, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.B.A. from Rutgers University Graduate School of Management, and a Sc.B. (Bachelor of Science with Honors) from Brown University. She is admitted to the Bars of New York and New Jersey.

About Bloomberg BNA

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