Department profile
McDermott Will & Schulte

ERISA Litigation

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


McDermott Will & Schulte

Rankings

About

Provided by McDermott Will & Schulte

Clients (12)

  • Liberty Mutual
  • Schneider Electric Holdings Inc.
  • Genentech Inc.
  • Lubbock National Bank
  • KPC Healthcare Holdings
  • Life Insurance Company of the Southwest
  • LinkUs Holdings, Inc.
  • Cigna, Target
  • Google
  • BDO
  • Berkshire Partners and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc.
  • ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC)

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

ERISA Litigation - USA - Nationwide

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

McDermott Will & Schulte is highly regarded for its representation of defendants in ERISA litigation, most notably on ESOP issues. 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

Provided by Chambers

  • McDermott Will & Schulte LLP represented BDO, its Board of Directors and its ESOP Trustees in connection with an ESOP class action. The plaintiff alleged that the defendants breached ERISA imposed fiduciary duties and engaged in a prohibited transaction when the BDO ESOP purchased approximately 42% of the Company in 2023.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The McDermott team is very knowledgeable on matters of law and skilled in the courtroom.

    ERISA Litigation respondentUSA
  • The team is highly responsive and proactive in its communication. The group consistently provides timely updates, clearly explains where matters stand and flags key developments as they arise.

    ERISA Litigation respondentUSA
  • The group offers exceptional expertise for ESOP litigation matters.

    ERISA Litigation respondentUSA
  • The group's personnel are highly educated and hard-working. The team is extremely intelligent, quick on its feet and deeply talented.

    ERISA Litigation respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Theodore Becker
    Band 3Theodore Becker

    Theodore Becker

    Co-chair 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 Becker is widely recognized in ERISA litigation circles as a highly experienced a technically gifted attorney. Ted possesses considerable knowledge in ERISA subject matter.

      ERISA Litigation respondentUSA
    • Ted is the best in complex and difficult situations.

      ERISA Litigation respondentUSA
    • Ted has a true passion for fair ESOP litigation defense.

      ERISA Litigation respondentUSA
    • Ted provides an excellent level of client service. He is highly responsive, proactive in providing updates and clear about where matters stand at all times. He accessible and willing to meet as needed, which makes collaboration efficient and ensures we stay aligned on strategy throughout.

      ERISA Litigation respondentUSA
    • Ted is the consummate professional. He understands the big picture and develops brilliant trial strategies.

      ERISA Litigation respondentUSA
  • Band 4Christian Nemeth
    Band 4Christian Nemeth

    Christian Nemeth

    Christian Nemeth focuses on handling highly complex ERISA litigation and government investigations, including ESOP matters and fiduciary breach cases.
    • Christian is kind, smart and straightforward. He is just a pleasure to work with.

      ERISA Litigation respondentUSA
    • Christian provides outstanding client service and is a subject matter expert.

      ERISA Litigation respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at McDermott Will & Schulte (2)

USA - Nationwide

Members

Provided by McDermott Will & Schulte

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