ERISA Remedies: Key Enforcement Provisions and Scope of Equitable Relief for Benefit Claims (On-Demand)

Course Description

This CLE course provides employee benefits counsel with an in-depth analysis of the remedies available under ERISA for benefit claims. The panel will discuss equitable relief under ERISA Section 502(a)(3), key enforcement provisions, the scope of available relief, procedural litigation strategies, and plan terms that may limit equitable remedies.

Principles

• Benefit Claims vs. Equitable Claims Under ERISA
• Key Defenses in ERISA Benefit Litigation
• Scope of Equitable Relief and Recent Case Developments
• Plan Provisions That Limit Equitable Remedies
• Best Practices and Procedural Strategies for Managing Benefit and Equitable Claims

Syllabus

1. Equitable Remedies Under ERISA Section 502(a)(3)
   • Scope and evolution of equitable relief
   • Recent judicial interpretations
2. Strategies for ERISA Benefit Claims Litigation
   • Pursuing claims on behalf of participants and beneficiaries
   • Defending plan administrators and fiduciaries
3. Procedural Challenges in ERISA Litigation
   • Standing requirements
   • ERISA preemption
   • Exhaustion of administrative remedies
   • Statutes of limitations and contractual limitations periods
4. Plan Design and Risk Management
   • Drafting plan provisions to reduce litigation risk
   • Administrative best practices for claims handling
5. Defenses Available to Plan Administrators
   • Common litigation defenses
   • Strengthening the administrative record
6. Recent ERISA Case Law and Emerging Trends
   • Significant developments affecting equitable remedies
   • Practical implications for practitioners
7. Best Practices for Navigating Benefit Claims
   • Litigation and compliance strategies
   • Avoiding common pitfalls in ERISA disputes