In the 2020 edition of Chambers USA, Groom maintained the publication’s highest nationwide rankings in Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation. Groom continues to be the only top ranked firm in Washington, D.C. in Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation.
Groom was also highly ranked nationwide for its ERISA Litigation practice and several of the firm’s lawyers received individual rankings for their work.
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 “… celebrated for its breadth, advising on the full panoply of employee benefits and compensation issues including health and welfare, ERISA Title I fiduciary responsibility matters, multiemployer plans and executive compensation arrangements” and “group of talented litigators handling all manner of employee benefits and executive compensation matters.”
Individual Lawyer Ranking
Jennifer Eller
Chambers says: Jennifer Eller has a broad employee benefits practice, which includes advising clients on regulatory investigations and compliance. A client comments: “She is incredible. You get practical legal advice from her and she also brings an amazing amount of depth to the table.”
Gary Ford
Chambers says: Gary Ford is a very highly regarded employee benefits lawyer. He has a wealth of experience assisting plan sponsors, fiduciaries and service providers with a wide range of contentious and advisory concerns. His expertise also covers pension plan derisking.
Lars Golumbic
Chambers says: Lars Golumbic is noted for his proficient handling of class actions involving alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and Department of Labor investigations. Sources say: “He is a great lawyer; very sharp and incredibly experienced. He is one of the pillars of the ERISA litigation Bar.”
Daniel Hogans
Chambers says: Daniel Hogans frequently assists clients with benefits plan compliance, which includes advising on IRC Section 409A. One interviewee comments: “He is so efficient, concise in his advice and has widespread experience.”
Christine Keller
Chambers says: Christine Keller is “a terrific lawyer,” according to interviewees. She is particularly well known for her expertise in health and welfare plans. A client reports: “She is very practical and can really help us navigate sticky situations and difficult issues very adeptly. We’ve been very pleased with her.”
David Levine
Chambers says: David Levine wins praise for his technical proficiency in employee benefits and executive compensation matters. He assists clients with all aspects of plan design, compliance and operation. A client comments: “If you are looking for a practical solution, there is no one better at bringing together the business and legal than David.”
Louis Mazawey
Chambers says: The “very impressive” Louis Mazawey enjoys a great reputation for his wide-ranging expertise in employee benefits and compensation. He provides counsel on the design and administration of a broad array of benefits and compensation plans. Clients value his “excellent knowledge, experience and guidance.”
Michael Prame
Chambers says: Michael Prame is recognized for his “wealth of experience” in the ERISA litigation space, which sees him handle Department of Labor investigations as well as class action suits. Sources say: “He is great tactician who understands the industry and is well regarded by everyone at the Bar.”
Andree St. Martin
Chambers says: Andrée St. Martin advises clients on a wide range of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including fiduciary responsibility and prohibited transactions. She receives praise for her “strong communication skills” from one source, while another notes that she is “a very careful thinker and has a creative approach to issues.”
What Clients Say About Groom
“It is a superb team with so much depth. It’s as though everyone knows everything and you get in-depth, current advice very quickly.”
“Groom is great to work with,” according to another client, who highlights the “strong area expertise,” and additionally describes the lawyers as “very knowledgeable” and “very strong advocates for their clients.”
“The lawyers have deep expertise in their respective subject matters, are able to reduce technical matters to practical advice and are responsive and responsible service providers.,” reports one client, further adding: “Groom’s expertise and service level meets or exceeds the best in the business.”
Sources highlight the firm’s “nice breadth of practice and good practitioners with government and private experience.”
An interviewee says: “I value my relationships with each of the attorneys in their various areas of expertise. They provide top-notch service and advice, and treat me with respect and courtesy.”
Another client appreciates the team’s “technical proficiency,” explaining that “the firm has folks with very good backgrounds in this space and we have found it very helpful to have such specialized lawyers.”
