Goodwin specializes in defending financial services companies, as well as other plan sponsors and service providers in class actions against allegations of breach of ERISA fiduciary duties, especially in relation to plan fees and investments. The firm is noted for its capital markets, healthcare and financial services experience, with the team securing victories for clients including MetLife, which resulted in the dismissal of a novel challenge to a plan’s use of prescription-drug rebates. The team’s appellate expertise is noted, with members including Boston-based Alison Douglass and Jaime Santos, in Washington DC, representing clients before circuit courts across the country and before the US Supreme Court. Also in Boston, James Fleckner has been active in defending against new ERISA litigation trends, including pension retirement benefit obligations to insurance carriers that have been filed and class action claims challenging the retention of foreign tax credits under the Internal Revenue Code relating to ERISA assets. Also in Washington DC, Michael Isenman represents a variety of clients including mutual funds and investment advisers in litigation and regulatory contexts including ERISA class actions and shareholder derivative demands and litigation. Christina Hennecken and David Rosenberg are key names.
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Key clients

  • Boston College
  • FirstGroup America
  • GWA
  • IQVIA
  • John Hancock Financial Services
  • MetLife Group
  • Natixis Investment Managers
  • New York Life Insurance Company
  • State Street Bank and Trust Company
  • Steel Dynamics

Work highlights

Representing John Hancock Life Insurance Company on appeal in an ERISA class action pending in the Eleventh Circuit.
Represented MetLife Group in a class action litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Acting for Natixis in a matter in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, brought by a former Natixis employee.

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

Jamie Santos; Michael Isenman; Matthew Riffee; David Rosenberg; Christina Hennecken