Groom Law Group is proud to announce that we were again the #1 ranked Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation law firm in Washington, DC according to the 2009 Chambers USA guide. We are also recognized for our Healthcare practice and as a top firm for National ERISA litigation.
Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation: “One of the best boutiques in the country,” this team has the breadth and depth to attract top-flight clients: “Whatever the problem, it has the skills and expertise to handle it.” The group wins full marks for its ERISA work, and its fiduciary team, led by Stephen Saxon, specializes in Title I matters. In addition to his ERISA practice, Saxon advises tax-exempt entities in IRS audits and financial services and assists plan providers with DOL audits. A large proportion of the team has previously worked for government agencies, giving the lawyers an intimate understanding of applicable regulations. Andre St. Martinis a former litigator for the DOL. Often acting alongside Saxon, she provides strong advice on issues relating to Title I of ERISA. The firm’s adept plan design and taxation team is headed by Louis Mazawey. He is a leading tax benefits lawyer, and his thorough approach has won him an abundance of praise. John McGuiness leads the executive compensation group and is an expert on deferred compensation and tax-qualified retirement plans. Formerly general counsel to the Pension Benefit Guaranty, Gary Ford is the go-to guy on Title IV issues. Technically astute, David Levine specializes in qualified retirement plan matters.
ERISA Litigation: This practice has predominantly grown out of the firm’s highly regarded employee benefits practice, and the impressively large stable of substantive experts provides a great springboard for the litigation practice. The firm’s overall bench strength in compliance and regulation adds extra clout. The team handles a wide range of litigious matters under ERISA, including cash balance, breach of fiduciary duty and stock drop litigation. Michael Prame chairs the firm’s litigation practice, and has been representing Comcast, Regions Bank and The Bank of New York Mellon in putative class actions concerning the investment of 401(k) plan assets in company stock. Edward Scallet is working closely alongside Prame on these stock drop matters, and gains recognition as “a skilled courtroom operator – he has the added benefit of knowing ERISA inside-out and back-to-front.”
Healthcare: Christy Tinnes of Groom Law Group is a new entrant to the tables, singled out by clients for her breadth of knowledge augmented by particularly strong work in the HIPAA arena.
For the full review and profile please visit the Chambers USA website.
