Employee Benefits, ERISA & Tax Disputes
Litigation
ERISA Claims and Tax Controversy Matters Involving Employee Benefits and Compensation
WH Burkley represents employers, plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and administrators in disputes involving employee benefit plans, ERISA claims, and tax-related issues tied to compensation and benefits. We provide practical, business-focused counsel to help clients manage risk, respond to claims, and navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
Disputes in this area often involve overlapping legal, tax, and operational considerations. We work closely with clients to develop coordinated strategies that address litigation exposure while aligning with broader compliance and business objectives.
ERISA and Fiduciary Litigation
• Defense of claims involving breach of fiduciary duty under ERISA
• Disputes involving plan administration, benefits determinations, and disclosures
• Claims related to retirement plans, health plans, and welfare benefit plans
• Defense of employers, plan sponsors, and fiduciaries in litigation and administrative proceedings
Benefits and Compensation Disputes
• Disputes involving executive compensation and incentive plans
• Claims related to deferred compensation and benefits structures
• Issues involving plan interpretation, eligibility, and payment disputes
• Coordination with corporate and employment-related matters
Tax Controversy Involving Benefits
• Disputes involving tax treatment of employee benefits and compensation
• Representation in audits, examinations, and enforcement actions
• Issues involving compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements
• Coordination with broader tax controversy and planning strategies
Administrative and Regulatory Proceedings
• Representation in investigations and enforcement actions involving employee benefits
• Responding to inquiries from the Department of Labor, IRS, and other agencies
• Managing administrative claims and appeals processes
• Coordinating parallel litigation and regulatory matters
Our Approach
- Align dispute strategy with business objectives and employee benefits structures
- Move matters forward efficiently across litigation, audits, and administrative proceedings
- Coordinate across legal, tax, and operational considerations
- Focus on managing risk while maintaining compliance and operational continuity
- Prioritize responsiveness, clear communication, and practical execution
Why WH Burkley
- Practical experience representing employers, plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and administrators in ERISA and benefits-related disputes
- Strong understanding of the tax and regulatory issues affecting compensation and employee benefit programs
- Ability to manage litigation, audits, investigations, and administrative proceedings involving benefits matters
- Integration with employment, tax, executive compensation, and corporate capabilities
- Responsive, partner-level service focused on practical risk management and resolution
Recognition
Best Law Firms | Cleveland
- Band 1 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
Best Law Firms | Pittsburgh
- Band 1 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
- Band 2 – Litigation – Commercial
Best Law Firms | US
- Band 2 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
*Certain recognitions displayed on this page were earned prior to the formation of WH Burkley LLP and may reflect the accomplishments of our legacy firms, Walter Haverfield LLP and Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.