Groom Law Group is proud to announce that we were, once again, the #1 ranked Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation law firm in Washington, DC according to the 2010 Chambers USA guide. The firm also received a #1 nationwide ranking for Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation. We remain ranked nationally as a top firm for ERISA Litigation and received mention for our Healthcare practice.
THE FIRM: This boutique has unrivaled depth and breadth in employee benefits and attracts praise for its commitment to the field. With over 50 specialists, it is the largest practice in Washington, DC and handles the gamut of benefits and compensation work from multiemployer to governmental plans. It is particularly noted for its Title I expertise.
Clients Say: “Groom Law has a lot of smart people and is excellent on regulatory matters.” “For ERISA, Groom is arguably the top in the country.”
Congratulations to the eleven attorneys who were individually recognized!
Gary Ford has a great deal of experience in dealing with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. As former general counsel to the corporation his insight is highly valued by clients. Sources agree: “He knows more about Title IV than anyone else could claim to.”
Louis Mazawey is one of the firm’s most notable lawyers and is nationally acclaimed for his extensive tax expertise. He has over three decades of experience in the field and specializes in qualified plans, ESOPs and executive compensation.
David Levine specializes in retirement plans including qualified, nonqualified and tax-exempt plans. He is particularly well versed in advising government plans on IRS rules.
John McGuiness is the firm’s leading executive compensation lawyer and clients are impressed by “the way he applies his legal knowledge and past experiences practically to the matter at hand.” He is most noted for his work in the deferred compensation area.
Stephen Saxon is firm chair and head of the fiduciary responsibility group. He is an expert in ERISA Title I issues and also focuses on advising tax-exempt and nonprofit organizations.
Andree St Martin also has an integral role in the firm’s fiduciary responsibility group, often forming “a wonderful tag team” with Saxon. She advises a range of clients including public plans, multiemployer plans, investment managers and plan administrators.
Practice chair Michael Prame continues to impress with his “strong leadership and guidance.” He is one of the group’s foremost names and has been representing Paychex in a putative class action regarding the fees charged by the mutual funds in which Paychex’s 401(k) plan clients invest.
Edward Scallet is one of the firm’s most experienced litigators and plays an integral role in the group. According to clients, “the extent of his ERISA knowledge is truly mind-blowing; it’s something that only comes with time and dedication.”
Thomas Gigot is one of the firm’s promising younger lawyers. He is admired for his “down-to-earth, easygoing and patient approach, which puts clients at ease and instills confidence.” He has been representing the fiduciaries of Northwest Airlines’ pension plans in a claim alleging breach of fiduciary duty.
Lars Golumbic is another example of the talent in the firm’s junior ranks, with sources highlighting him as “one to watch for the future.” His recent work includes successfully defending New York State United Teachers in a putative class action relating to fees charged on a group annuity product.
