DLA Piper LLP (US)'s dedicated employee benefits and executive compensation team handles a wide range of both design and transactional benefits matters. In Washington DC, Rita Patel leads the practice. Patel oversees many large everyday compliance matters for large corporate clients, including the recent implementation of ERISA covered severance plans and benefit claims. In Chicago, Richard Ashley is experienced with designing and implementing executive compensation programs, including plans which emphasize the implementation of ESG related incentives. Erin Sweeney, working from Washington DC, is a point of contact for large employers in a variety of industries on redesigning existing benefit plans in compliance with ERISA. Also based in Washington DC, Todd Castleton handles retirement plans and various fiduciary governance matters.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'DLA Piper provides quality, accurate information and swift turnaround times.’
‘Todd Castleton has been quick to respond and thorough in his reasoning whenever he gives legal advice.’
- 'The DLA team comprises true experts who have seen just about every situation and take a solutions-oriented approach to helping clients think through their strategy and identify practical ways to execute, factoring in the company's risk tolerance.'
- 'The team has deep knowledge of employee benefits matters.'
- 'Very knowledgeable and accessible. They are able to explain complex legal topics in a way that the business understands.'
- 'DLA has a keen ability to ensure compliance with legal standards while steering towards industry excellence. They give practical solutions while mitigating risk and minimizing internal disruption. I appreciate their determination to tackle and move projects to completion.'
- 'DLA is more than an outside advisor, providing a human touch and understanding of the issues at hand to give a solution that is workable for all interested parties.'
Key clients
- Paylocity Corporation
- Las Vegas Sands Corporation
- International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
- Ross Stores
- Tik Tok, Inc.
- QUALCOMM Incorporated
- Reddit, Inc.
- James Hardie Industries plc
- Tesla
- Goya Foods, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised a leading global hospitality company on the reimagination of its voluntary benefit plan offering.
- Advised a multinational pharmaceutical and biotech company on all benefits and executive compensation work, including representation of the pension committee and advice on fiduciary and tax issues.
- Represented one of the largest steel producers globally, in the design and implementation of an executive compensation program for senior officers.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rita Patel