On Friday, June 12 Kutak Rock attorney Jason Kotlyarov will be a featured speaker on day one of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association’s (KCMBA) CLE By the Hour Event. Jason will be presenting a comprehensive session titled “Employee Benefits Law for Attorneys,” offering practical insights and legal analysis for attorneys navigating this complex and ever-evolving area of law.

In his presentation, Jason will guide attendees through the key components of ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) and its wide-reaching implications in areas such as:

• ERISA Background: An overview of the law that sets minimum standards for private sector employee benefit plans, and its broad impact across employment, tax, fiduciary and contract law.
• Retirement Plans: The tax and legal requirements for qualified plans under IRC Section 401, common IRS plan errors, and the importance of maintaining tax-qualified status.
• Health Plans: An explanation of employer obligations under the Affordable Care Act, including ERISA’s plan documentation and reporting requirements.
• Employee Benefits in the context of Mergers and Acquisitions: Legal considerations regarding employee benefits during corporate transactions, including equity award plans, severance, and union-related benefit issues.
• ERISA Preemption: A breakdown of complete and conflict preemption and how these doctrines impact litigation involving state-law claims related to benefit plans.
• Prohibited Transactions and Exemptions: A review of ERISA Section 406(a) and the rules governing transactions between plans and parties in interest.
• Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs): Key requirements and limitations attorneys must consider when dividing retirement benefits in family law proceedings.
• Subrogation Rights Under ERISA Plans: An important look at how self-funded health plans preserve reimbursement rights even where state law may suggest otherwise.

Click here to learn more or register.

Jason focuses his practice on providing full-service representation to employee benefit plans, plan sponsors and fiduciaries including issues pertaining to governance, compliance, amendment/policy review and drafting and litigation. He regularly trains clients and speaks on a variety of employee benefits issues including fiduciary responsibilities, ERISA, COBRA clients, mental health parity and HIPAA compliance for welfare plans. He also drafts and negotiates service agreements and business associate agreements for employee benefit plans; prepares plan-related documents, employee communications, and HIPAA policies and procedures; and counsels clients on benefit plan design and administration issues.