While the employee benefits and executive compensation team at Ballard Spahr LLP advises clients in a wide range of industries, the firm particularly excels in the healthcare, hospitality, and pharmaceutical sectors. Some notable clients include American Red Cross, Main Line Health and Temple University Health System. The practice is led by Brian Pinheiro in Philadelphia; he has a track record of work on matters ranging from 401(k) plans to employee stock ownership plans, to ERISA fiduciary advice, among a vast range of other services. Supporting Pinheiro on many cases, Edward Leeds is also based in the Philadelphia office. Leeds assists clients in providing health benefit programs, pharmacy benefit design, and retirement plans. In Washington DC, Finn Pressly provides counsel on various issues, including domestic partner benefits, retiree health plans, and wellness plans.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Ballard Spahr is a trusted advisor on all legal matters regarding employee benefits. The team has deep technical expertise, especially relating to ERISA, ACA, and all federal regulations regarding employee benefit programs. Their service and expertise are second to none. ’

  • ‘Edward Leeds is easy to work with. He will bring other experts in as needed and always does an outstanding job. He always provides a balanced perspective on all matters. ’

  • 'The team works with us to understand our business so they can better advise us holistically instead of just answering the discrete issue. They also provide practical solutions and advice - not just the legal answer.'

  • 'Finn Pressly is able to explain complex concepts in plain language. He never just gives the pure legal answer. Rather, he appreciates that my job is to help the business balance various risks so helps me think through the various options available and the associated risks to get to a practical solution that is actually workable in our specific environment. Most attorneys only want to provide the pure legal answer. But Finn is a true partner and resource.'

Key clients

  • Main Line Health, Inc.
  • Temple University/Temple University Health System
  • Republic Services, Inc.
  • American Red Cross
  • Inspira Health Network
  • Wawa, Inc.
  • CSL Behring LLC
  • Ricoh USA, Inc.
  • Union Pacific Corporation

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Brian Pinheiro

Other key lawyers

Edward Leeds, Finn Pressly