Hall Benefits Law

10/14/2026

"The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." - Sydney J. Harris

Education invites us to look beyond our own experience. It introduces new histories, ideas, perspectives, and possibilities.

Every lesson can widen the way we see other people and the world we share.

10/13/2026

ESOP fiduciaries rely on company valuations to evaluate the price of employer stock.

A valuation should reflect current financial information, reasonable projections, market conditions, and the terms of the proposed transaction. Fiduciaries also need documentation showing how they evaluated the valuation and related advice.

Subscribe to HBL’s newsletter for practical updates on ESOPs, employee ownership, and ERISA fiduciary duties.


https://hallbenefitslaw.com/newsletter-sign-up/

10/12/2026

A retirement plan with billions in assets can still face scrutiny over individual participant fees and investment choices.

Participants in Memorial Hermann Health System’s 401(k) and 403(b) plans alleged that fiduciaries paid excessive administrative and advisory fees and retained underperforming target-date funds. The parties reached a settlement after the court allowed the claims to proceed.

Plan size doesn't replace a documented process for reviewing fees, services, and investment performance.

Read the blog for more on the case.


https://hallbenefitslaw.com/memorial-hermann-health-system-reaches-settlement-in-erisa-suit-over-401k-plan-fees-fund-choices/

10/08/2026

Employee benefits issues can get expensive when a transaction reaches closing before the parties address them.

Case Studies in ERISA examines merger and acquisition scenarios involving retirement plans, executive compensation, health coverage, and other benefit arrangements. The examples show how these issues influence due diligence, negotiations, and post-closing administration.

Download your complimentary copy to examine benefits challenges that buyers and sellers may encounter.


https://hallbenefitslaw.com/book/

10/07/2026

Your TPA agreement determines access to data, fee information, audit rights, performance standards, and vendor accountability.

TPA Negotiator examines contract provisions through the combined perspectives of ERISA compliance and business value. The service helps legal and benefits teams pursue fair contract terms, greater transparency, and reduced fiduciary exposure.

Learn how your TPA contract can further support your organization.


https://tpanegotiator.com/

10/05/2026

A merger agreement can allocate responsibility for employee benefits, but the transaction team still needs accurate information about each plan.

During a transaction, businesses may need to evaluate everything from retirement plan obligations to executive compensation arrangements.

HBL works with business leaders and transaction teams on the benefits components of mergers and acquisitions. Reach out to discuss the employee benefits issues connected to your transaction.


https://hallbenefitslaw.com/contact-us/

10/01/2026

A plan document can seem complete. Compliance regulations can tell a different story.

HBL’s ERISA case-study book examines the points where written terms, vendor practices, fiduciary duties, and employee communications can become disconnected. The examples help leaders identify the types of decisions that warrant closer attention.

Request a complimentary copy for your business, legal, finance, or benefits team.


https://hallbenefitslaw.com/book/

09/30/2026

Some retirement plan participants age 50 and older must make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis under SECURE 2.0.

For 2026, the rule applies to certain participants whose prior-year wages exceeded $150,000. Plan sponsors may need to coordinate amendments with payroll systems, recordkeepers, third-party administrators, contribution elections, and participant communications.

Many plans face a December 31, 2026 amendment deadline. Read the blog for details on the rule and its implementation requirements.


https://hallbenefitslaw.com/secure-2-0-act-mandatory-roth-catch-up-contributions-require-plan-amendments-by-years-end/

09/29/2026

United Healthcare and three Georgia medical providers — Hospital Physician Services Southeast PC, InPhyNet Primary Care Physicians Southeast PC and Redmond Anesthesia & Pain Treatment PC — have settled a dispute over reimbursements for out-of-network claims.

https://hallbenefitslaw.com/united-and-georgia-medical-providers-settle-out-of-network-benefits-dispute/

Strategic Legal Guidance for Complex Benefits Matters

09/28/2026

Deere & Co. a/k/a John Deere has filed a motion to dismiss former employees’ claims that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) governs its severance program.

https://hallbenefitslaw.com/john-deere-moves-to-dismiss-severance-program-dispute-as-not-governed-by-erisa/

Strategic Legal Guidance for Complex Benefits Matters