Goodwin has a powerhouse ERISA litigation department with a stellar track record defending plan sponsors in challenges related to health and retirement plans. The group is well-equipped to handle complex, novel litigation, including class actions challenging pension risk transfers and tobacco surcharges. The group’s elite clientele includes major names across the financial services, retail, and manufacturing industries. Boston-based James Fleckner excels in litigating class actions under ERISA, recently representing Natixis Investment Managers in the inclusion of mutual funds in its 401(k) plan. Also in Boston, co-head Alison Douglass specializes in challenges to 401(k) plan imprudent investments and excessive fees. Douglass focuses on trial and appellate matters, pre-litigation matters, and regulatory investigations before the DOL. Jaime Santos has extensive experience in appellate matters, regularly representing clients in federal courts. Boston-based Dave Rosenberg, Washington DC-based Matthew Riffee, and Christina Hennecken continue to be key assets to the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Goodwin has a very strong Boston-based practice and has many institutional clients in the biotech and similar industries, given the market in Boston.’
‘Alison Douglass is a wonderful attorney and a good friend. She is excellent.’
Key clients
- Natixis Investment Managers, LLC
- General Electric Company (GE Aerospace)
- The Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association ofAmerica (“TIAA”)
- MetLife Inc
- Walmart, Inc
- NRECA
- The Campbell's Company
- JP Morgan Chase & Co
- Chamber of Commerce
- Stable Value Investment Association
- John Hancock Financial Services
- XPO
Work highlights
Represented Natixis Investment Managers, L.P. and its Retirement Committee in a classaction challenging the inclusion of Natixis-affiliated mutual funds in its 401(k) plan. After aten-day bench trial, the court issued a complete defense verdict for Natixis.
Representing The Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (“TIAA”) in amatter in the District Court for the Southern District of New York brought by formeremployees of TIAA.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
James Fleckner; Alison Douglass
Other key lawyers
Jaime Santos; Dave Rosenberg; Matthew Riffee; Christina Hennecken