The ERISA conference that was touted as 2009’s premier industry event is back for its second installment.
You can’t miss the only conference that is devoted entirely to the defense of claims, and led by an unparalleled faculty of in-house counsel, federal judges and top outside defense counsel.
The last year has been completely unprecedented in the world of ERISA litigation. The first 401(k) fee case went to trial and the Supreme Court handed down a decision in Hardt v. Reliance that expanded plaintiffs’ ability to recover attorneys’ fees when plan administrators fail to follow proper procedure in reviewing a claim for benefits. Corporate scandals, major bankruptcies, and a volatile stock market have resulted in billions of dollars in retirement plan losses – all contributing to mounting discontent by employees and a corresponding increase in scrutiny by the plaintiffs’ bar. Throw in ever expanding theories of fiduciary liability, a recessionary economy in recovery, the growing retirement age demographic and the still unknown implications of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and it becomes evident that in defending and managing these complex claims, counsel for companies, plan fiduciaries, sponsors, administrators, advisors and insurers face a distinct uphill battle, including:
- A rise in class action claims testing novel theories of fiduciary liability
- Health care reform, which:
- Has given rise to the need to evaluate and overhaul plan documents
- Will lead to new theories of liability with no legal precedent to turn to for guidance
- Managing plan administrators, fiduciaries and sponsors to properly implement and follow the claims review process
- Expanded precedent allowing plaintiffs to recover attorneys’ fees
- Educating the court on the legal complexities of plan documents
- Identifying the proper parties and permissible recovery under the complex scheme of §502(a) and confusing case law interpreting it
As a result, the stakes involved for defendants are exceptionally high and there is simply no room for error in the defense of these claims. In response, ACI is proud to bring you the second installment of the most advanced defense forum in the industry: Defending and Managing ERISA Litigation. Don’t miss your chance to attend the event that will shape the next year of ERISA strategies for leading litigators and in-house counsel. Through a faculty of distinguished outside defense counsel, 9 federal judges and 22 in-house attorneys, this conference will provide even the most seasoned ERISA attorneys with clarity and certainty on today’s key issues which are crucial to mounting a complete and rigorous defense.
And don’t forget to also sign up for the Pre-Conference Master Skills Session – ERISA’S ENFORCEMENT SCHEME: THE PROCEDURAL NUANCES, AVAILABLE REMEDIES & PROPER PARTIES UNDER §502(a)
OCT. 19, 2:00 P.M. – 5:00 PM
Conference Details
