William J. Delany, a Principal and Litigation Practice Leader at Groom Law Group, is a senior ERISA litigator with more than 30 years of experience defending employers, plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and service providers in complex ERISA class action litigation nationwide. Will’s practice focuses on high-exposure matters involving novel legal theories, senior-level fiduciary decision-making, and significant financial risk. His practice has a particular focus on 401(k) related investment and service provider litigation.
Will litigates ERISA cases in federal courts across the United States, leading teams, handling all phases of litigation, including dispositive motions, discovery, trial, and appeal, and using technology tools where appropriate. He has extensive experience representing fiduciary committees, boards, and senior executives, and brings a practical, working command of ERISA’s statutory framework across a wide range of plan structures and substantive claims.
With his substantial ERISA trial experience, including multiple ERISA class action trials, Will is regularly relied upon to guide cases through trial when necessary and to assess litigation risk with realism and precision. He is particularly effective in defending against evolving theories of liability – developing disciplined strategies to respond to new lines of attack on ERISA plans and fiduciary decisions – which have resulted in billions of dollars in savings for his clients. Will also advises his clients on how to mitigate litigation risk, including updating them on current trends and breaking news.
Known for his judgment and collaborative approach, Will works closely with clients to align litigation strategy with business objectives and risk tolerance. Trained in large, nationally respected law-firm environments, he brings a team-oriented, trial-ready approach to managing demanding ERISA disputes from inception through resolution. Will is also a thought leader in this area, frequently published and quoted in the trade press.
