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Practice

Governmental Audits, Benefits Claims + ERISA Litigation

Careful front-end planning and thoughtful administration can lead to favorable results in governmental audits, benefit claim appeals, and, if necessary, litigation. But even with careful planning, unavoidable controversies may arise. In such cases, experienced guidance can make the difference in achieving a favorable outcome.

We provide comprehensive advice to clients preparing for Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audits. We assist in developing thoughtful responses to benefit claims where a denial is likely to be challenged, creating an administrative record that will best withstand judicial review. Our attorneys have successfully defended individuals and entities in civil and criminal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) matters and have also served as expert witnesses in such matters.

  • Legal 500 USA: Labor and Employment: Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation and Retirement Plans: Design (Nationwide) (2024-2025)
  • Chambers USA – Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, USA Nationwide (2024-2025)
  • Chambers USA – Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Texas: Dallas, Fort Worth and Surrounds (2024-2025)
  • Chambers USA – Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Georgia (2020-2025)
  • Chambers USA – Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Texas: Houston & Surrounds (2020-2025)
  • Chambers USA – Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, North Carolina (2021-2025)
  • Chambers USA – Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Pennsylvania (2021-2025)
  • Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Richmond (Tier 1) 2014-2024
  • Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Charlotte (Tier 1) 2023-2024; (Tier 2) 2021-2022
  • Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Atlanta (Tier 2) 2024
  • Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Dallas (Tier 1) 2024
  • Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Houston (Tier 2) 2024
  • Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, New York (Tier 2) 2023-2024
  • Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Philadelphia (Tier 2) 2020-2024
  • Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Rhode Island (Tier 1) 2024
  • Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, National (Tier 1) 2024; (Tier 3) 2020, 2023

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Firm News

Troutman Pepper Locke Bolsters Tax and Benefits Practice With Addition of Heather Heath Ryan

September 10, 2025

Firm News

Troutman Pepper Recognized in Benchmark Litigation 2022

October 1, 2021

Firm News

Troutman Pepper Recognized in Benchmark Litigation 2021

October 12, 2020

Articles + Publications

Electronic Delivery of Required ERISA Notices for 401(k) Plans Made Easier Under New DOL Rules

June 8, 2020

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