In the 2019 edition of Chambers USA, Groom maintained the publication’s highest rankings for leading the industry in Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation both nationally and in the District of Columbia. Groom’s ERISA Litigation practice also maintained its top-tier ranking and several of the firm’s lawyers were individually ranked.
Groom has been at the forefront of benefits, health and retirement since it opened its doors over 40 years ago. Representing a diverse group of clients in finance, retirement, health care and the public sector, Groom’s concentration of talent and expertise distinguishes it from others in the field. Chambers describes Groom as being ”… widely praised for its handling of a broad array of tax and benefit issues. Highly sought after for its well-established connections to governmental entities and its specialized expertise in matters such as executive compensation, fiduciary responsibility, and plan funding and restructuring. Offers a wealth of experience with regulatory issues affecting plans, including Department of Labor investigations.”
Individual Lawyer Ranking
Jennifer Eller
Chambers says: Jennifer Eller provides expertise on the design and delivery of retirement plans, as well as various ERISA compliance matters. Sources report: “She takes control of the issues, is practical and helps us recognize risks.”
Gary Ford
Chambers says: Gary Ford is vastly experienced in the area of pension plan derisking. He enjoys a strong reputation among peers, with market sources stating: “There’s no question he’s a top, well-known practitioner.”
Lars Golumbic
Chambers says: Lars Golumbic acts for a range of clients, including plan sponsors, financial institutions and trustees, in the defense of ERISA class actions. One client describes him as “thoughtful and insightful” while another says: “He is exceptional and very responsive – he helped us through any questions and kept us up to date with the market.”
Daniel Hogans
Chambers says: Daniel Hogans acts for clients in matters relating to executive compensation plan design, compliance and correction.
Christine Keller
Chambers says: The “very strong” Christine Keller is an expert on advising clients on benefits aspects of M&A transactions.
David Levine
Chambers says: David Levine is active in a range of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, ranging from retirement issues to executive compensation design. One client states: “He is responsive and imaginative, gives excellent advice and is enjoyable to work with.”
Louis Mazawey
Chambers says: Louis Mazawey advises clients in a range of matters, including employee stock ownership and the benefits aspects of major transactions. According to one client, “he provides good client service, is reasonable and has the highest level of technical ability.”
Michael Prame
Chambers says: Sources say that Michael Prame “really knows his stuff” when it comes to ERISA litigation. He provides the benefit of his expertise to clients including service providers and financial institutions, advising on class actions and DOL investigations.
Andree St. Martin
Chambers says: Andrée St. Martin acts in a full range of employee benefits matters, including Title 1 ERISA issues and aspects of M&A transactions.
What Clients Say About Groom
- “They are wonderful,”reports one client, adding: “They do an excellent job at listening to the client and being responsive to their needs.”
- Another client comments: “They provide the entire spectrum of benefits specialization; they always have someone who can handle my matter.”
- Market sources say: “They certainly have a reputation for technical expertise.”
- Another source says: “Groom is an exceptional firm; the gold standard.”
- Interviewees report: “They’re the go-to ERISA firm, they have incredible industry knowledge and experience.”
- According to one client, “they provided tremendous service and got us a very favorable result.”
- One interviewee says: “They are very user-friendly and thoughtful, and very well networked. The strength of their ERISA practice means that they are important partners for us.”
Chambers USA is a publication released by Chambers & Partners, a premier research organization and publisher of legal directories. It provides rankings of law firms, individuals and departments by assessing technical legal knowledge and experience, ability, effectiveness, and client service.
