About

Provided by Ivins, Phillips & Barker

In an age of mega law firms and consolidation, IPB remains one of the few independent tax and employee benefits specialty law firms. We continue to thrive because we focus on:

  • Unbiased Representation. 
  • Service. 
  • Partnership. 
  • Flexibility. 


AREAS OF BENEFITS & COMPENSATION PRACTICE:

·        Retirement Plans

·        Payroll Tax & Fringe

·        Executive Compensation

·        Plan Investments

·        Health and Welfare Plans

·        Vendor Contracting & HR Outsourcing

·        Mergers & Acquisitions

·        ERISA Litigation

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation - District of Columbia

3
Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Ivins, Phillips & Barker is a prominent boutique in the tax and employee benefits and executive compensation market, recognized for its representation of some of the largest and most prestigious employers, including many Fortune 100 companies. The group is highly respected for its provision of robust assistance on issues such as executive compensation, pension plan derisking, cash balance design as well as both nonqualified and qualified plans. The team also offers expertise in fringe benefits, fiduciary issues and vendor negotiations.

Work Highlights

  • IPB advised most European football clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on U.S. federal employment and payroll tax treatment for payments to players and delegation members.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Jodi Epstein
2
Jodi Epstein
2
Band 2

Jodi Epstein offers particular expertise in advising on qualified and nonqualified benefit plans.

She provides realistic business-minded advice and intellectually she operates at the highest level while being business-friendly.

Jodi is very detail-oriented, responsive to our needs, and provides thorough explanations of our options and any precautions we should take.

We have been very impressed with Jodi's knowledge and advice. She maintains contact during periods of time we are not directly working with her, which we very much appreciate.

Kevin O'Brien
2
Kevin O'Brien
Head of Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
2
Band 2

Kevin O'Brien provides advice on high-level plan design, administration, compliance issues and pension risk transfers.

Kevin's experience comes through in the matters that he works on. His knowledge of the historical law and changes is invaluable.

Steven Witmer
3
Steven Witmer
3
Band 3
Steven Witmer is an experienced adviser for preeminent clients on a range of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including those arising out of corporate transactions.

He is very adept at explaining complicated legal matters to non-attorneys and is an excellent negotiator.

His ability to distill technical issues into actionable guidance saved time and ensured we remained compliant throughout the audit cycle.

Steve provides the total package of service, knowledge, responsiveness, partnership and collaboration.

Steve is a valued business partner.

He has a strong ability to translate complex legal matters into plain language, making information accessible and actionable for all stakeholders.

Spencer Walters
4
Spencer Walters
4
Band 4

Spencer Walters has expertise in all aspects of US retirement plan design and administration, as well as tax matters. He is well-versed in cross-border issues.

Spencer does a wonderful job with his research, laying out the facts and assisting with the development of the best strategy/decisions for our organizational needs.

He has done outstanding work, demonstrating deep technical expertise. His involvement has been thorough, strategic and impactful.

Spencer is thoughtful, creative and practical in his advice.

Benjamin L Grosz
U
Benjamin L Grosz
U
Up and Coming

Ben Grosz focuses on employee benefits, executive compensation, and U.S. federal tax compliance for global clients.

Ben draws on his past experience in the industry to inform his advice.

Ben was a very effective communicator and team player.

Ben has been instrumental in asking pertinent questions and looking at all facets of our options to guide us to reasonable decisions.

Ranked Lawyers at
Ivins, Phillips & Barker

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

District of Columbia

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

Jodi Epstein
2
Jodi Epstein
2
Band 2
Kevin O'Brien
2
Kevin O'Brien
Head of Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
2
Band 2
Steven Witmer
3
Steven Witmer
3
Band 3
Spencer Walters
4
Spencer Walters
4
Band 4
Benjamin L Grosz
U
Benjamin L Grosz
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Ivins, Phillips & Barker

Ben Grosz

Carroll Savage

Kevin O'Brien

Kevin O'Brien

Head of Department

Laurie Keenan

Percy Lee

Spencer Walters

Tom Cryan