About

Provided by McDermott Will & Emery LLP

We have a purpose-built and stand-alone ERISA Litigation practice, as distinguished from firms which undertake ERISA disputes on an ad hoc basis.  We have invested heavily in creating an independently successful team, with the ability to attract clients on both their reputation as thought leaders and highly successful trial lawyers, and deep body of ERISA trial experience.

We are genuine market leaders in ESOP Litigation and our team has unparalleled experience litigating ESOP cases nationwide and defending clients in DOL investigations and IRS audits.  We are trailblazers with demonstrated commitment to creating novel and efficient solutions for our clients in ESOP disputes. We obtained precedent-setting court rulings through litigating the highest-profile ESOP cases that presented first-impression questions of ERISA interpretation.  

We are one of the few law firms in the USA with an experienced and multi-disciplinary ERISA Investigation Task Force. We help clients navigate investigations of fiduciary practices by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Department of Justice.  We differentiate ourselves from peers, in that we can pair ERISA specialist litigators with specialists focused on compliance with a wide array of legal subjects.  We bring value to our clients by supporting their strong recordkeeping and culture of self-regulation, which is crucial in the current regulatory climate. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

ERISA Litigation - USA - Nationwide

3
Band 3

What the Team is Known For

McDermott Will & Emery LLP is highly regarded for its representation of defendants in ERISA litigation. The firm demonstrates expertise in defending a range of claims including breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and excessive fee cases. The team frequently acts for plan sponsors, service provides and trustees in high-stakes ERISA class actions.

Work Highlights

  • McDermott successfully defended two separate Houlihan Lokey entities, as well as a former employee and his wife, in an ERISA claim where the plaintiff alleges decades-long fraud by Houlihan Lokey and numerous other defendants. The claim concerns a $810 million transaction where the defendants are alleged not to have disclosed certain information to plan participants.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Theodore Becker
3
Theodore Becker
3
Band 3
Cochair of the firm's ERISA litigation group Theodore Becker is highly regarded for his expertise in ERISA class actions. He has substantial experience with ESOPs.

Ted provides thoughtful advice and knowledge regarding ERISA matters.

Ted is a consummate professional with excellent communication skills and expertise in a complicated field of law.

A leader in ESOP and a very thoughtful person.

Ted is the most knowledgeable ERISA attorney that I know. He is always my top choice.

Christian Nemeth
4
Christian Nemeth
4
Band 4
Christian Nemeth focuses on handling highly complex ERISA litigation and government investigations, including ESOP matters and fiduciary breach cases.

I think he's extremely smart and he's very good to work with. He has an ability to explain things in an understandable way.

He's very responsive, technical, clearly understands ERISA and gives good practical advice.

Christian has excellent subject matter knowledge, is very responsive and offers great client service.

Ranked Lawyers at
McDermott Will & Emery LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

USA - Nationwide

ERISA Litigation

Theodore Becker
3
Theodore Becker
3
Band 3
Christian Nemeth
4
Christian Nemeth
4
Band 4

Members

Provided by McDermott Will & Emery LLP

J. Christian Nemeth

Clients

Provided by McDermott Will & Emery LLP

BDO

Berkshire Partners and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc.

Cigna, Target

ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC)

Genentech Inc.

Google

KPC Healthcare Holdings

Liberty Mutual

Life Insurance Company of the Southwest

LinkUs Holdings, Inc.

Lubbock National Bank

Schneider Electric Holdings Inc.