What Employment Lawyers Need to Know About Benefit Law

Episode Summary: In this episode of Employee Benefit Plans & Business Sense, attorneys Doll Lank and Kathleen Bass of KLB Benefits Law Group discuss the critical differences between employment lawyers and employee benefits attorneys. They explain why employment attorneys often need to partner with benefits counsel to protect clients, especially when issues such as ERISA claims, COBRA, retirement plan terminations, and layoffs arise. With decades of combined experience, Doll Lank and Kathleen Bass highlight real-world examples where failing to involve a benefits attorney led to costly mistakes, and they share cases where timely collaboration prevented significant legal and financial exposure. Listeners will gain insight into how employee benefits law intersects with employment disputes and why developing strong relationships between employment and benefits attorneys is essential for effective client representation. Key Timestamps: 00:01:30 – Difference between employment lawyers and employee benefits attorneys 00:04:50 – Common scenarios where benefits issues overlap with employment disputes 00:07:10 – How COBRA claims and retirement plan failures impact litigation 00:11:00 – Why unresolved benefit plan issues increase legal and financial risks 00:14:45 – Case study: Preventing a prohibited transaction in a litigation settlement 00:16:30 – Example of a costly layoff mistake caused by overlooking benefits law 00:19:00 – How employment lawyers can identify benefit plan issues early About the Show Employee Benefit Plans & Business Sense helps employers, HR leaders, and attorneys navigate the legal complexities of employee benefits. Hosted by attorneys Doll Lank and Kathleen Bass of KLB Benefits Law Group, the podcast offers practical insights on ERISA compliance, plan corrections, audits, M&A issues, and more. With real-world examples and clear guidance, each episode shows how proactive legal support can protect organizations, save money, and strengthen benefit plans.