Employee Benefits Attorney

Ogletree Deakins continues west coast growth with addition of Donald P. Sullivan as shareholder. SAN FRANCISCO - September 14, 2026 - Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to welcome Donald P. Sullivan to the firm's San Francisco office as a shareholder. Don joins the firm from Jackson Lewis P.C., where he was a principal for seven years. Don brings nearly 30 years of experience representing employers, employee benefit plans, fiduciaries, and plan sponsors in complex employment and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) matters. He regularly serves as lead counsel in employment and employee benefits litigation, including class, representative, and single-plaintiff matters involving wage and hour, Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and harassment claims under state and federal law. He also advises and represents employers in ERISA and non-ERISA disputes involving pension and welfare benefit plans, fiduciary obligations, and government investigations. "Don's extensive experience spans both complex employment litigation and employee benefits matters, making him a valuable addition to our San Francisco team," said Katherine Manuel, office managing shareholder in San Francisco. "Employers increasingly need counsel who can address workforce disputes while also navigating benefit plan and fiduciary issues. Don brings a practical, business-focused approach and a track record of helping clients manage some of their most significant legal challenges." Every day, Don counsels employers on workplace policies, employee training, and compliance strategies designed to reduce risk and prevent disputes before they arise. He also works with management teams to address workforce issues and navigate evolving employment law requirements. "Ogletree Deakins is recognized nationally for helping employers navigate their most complex workplace challenges," Don said. "The strength of the firm's domestic and international platforms, the depth of its California practice, and its collaborative culture make it an excellent fit for my practice. I'm excited to join the team and contribute to the firm's continued growth." Don earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley. His commitment to the labor and employment practice predates his graduation from law school, having worked for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining for Washington D.C. (OLRCB) while he was in law school and college, respectively. About Ogletree Deakins With more than 1,100 attorneys in 61 offices worldwide, Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management. Ogletree Deakins’ Immigration Practice Group handle all types of employment-related legal matters, including traditional labor and employment, workplace safety, employee benefits, and business immigration matters. Guided by its Client Pledge, Ogletree Deakins’ Immigration Practice Group focus on understanding clients' business and objectives, collaborating and anticipating needs, harnessing technology and innovation, communicating effectively, and providing quality representation with exceptional value. www.ogletree.com

Jackson Lewis welcomes Employee Benefits principal Melissa B. Kurtzman in Philadelphia. Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. announced Melissa B. Kurtzman has joined the firm's Philadelphia office as a principal. Melissa joins the firm from Littler Mendelson P.C. and brings more than 30 years of experience representing employers in a range of employee benefits matters. "Melissa brings sophisticated counsel and a practical understanding of the day-to-day administration and compliance challenges employers face in managing their benefit plans, and will be an excellent addition to our team as we continue to expand the depth and reach of our practice," said Melissa Ostrower and Kellie M. Thomas, co-leaders of the firm's Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group. "Her experience further strengthens our ability to counsel clients across the full spectrum of employee benefits matters, particularly when complex benefits issues intersect with transactions, regulatory compliance and litigation." Melissa advises employers on the design, implementation and administration of qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, welfare and fringe benefit programs, employee benefits tax matters and benefits issues arising in mergers and acquisitions. She also counsels clients on fiduciary responsibilities, reporting and disclosure obligations, government correction programs and contingent workforce issues. Melissa represents plan sponsors in IRS and DOL audits and assists with employee benefit plan self-audits and government examinations. She advises clients across a range of industries including retail, accounting, construction, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services and nonprofit organizations. Prior to private practice, Melissa served as director of ERISA compliance for a national retirement plan administration company, where she oversaw the preparation and administration of qualified retirement plans. "We are thrilled to welcome Melissa to the office," said Stephanie J. Peet, office managing principal in Philadelphia. "Melissa's arrival expands the capabilities we offer clients in Philadelphia and throughout the region, providing greater access to sophisticated employee benefits counsel while further strengthening the resources of our national team." Melissa earned her J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law and her B.A. from Michigan State University. Analysis | Jobs | News

Jackson Lewis deploys :Harvey: firmwide. by Harvey Team - Aug 24, 2026 Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. is expanding its investment in artificial Intelligence by deploying Harvey firmwide to more than 1,100 attorneys across more than 60 offices. Following a comprehensive evaluation of AI platforms, Jackson Lewis selected Harvey for the strength, versatility and legal-focused capabilities of its platform, as well as the opportunity to partner with Harvey's Legal Engineering and implementation teams. Together, Jackson Lewis and Harvey are identifying and implementing high-impact applications across the firm designed to enhance attorney efficiency, streamline matter management and support the delivery of complex, strategic work that creates the greatest value to clients. Harvey's Legal Engineering team will collaborate directly with Jackson Lewis attorneys and business professionals to develop applications tailored to the complexities of labor and employment law, while deepening the relationship between Jackson Lewis and Harvey to accelerate innovation and advance the firm's use of generative AI. "Jackson Lewis has built its reputation by staying focused on what our clients need and continually evolving how we serve them," said Firm Chair Kevin Lauri. "As a leader in labor and employment law, we see AI as an opportunity to build on that strength, and Harvey stood out as the right partner to help us do it. The technology is impressive, but just as important to us is having a team that will work alongside our lawyers to turn that potential into real value for our clients." "Jackson Lewis brought both a high bar and a clear vision to this process," said Winston Weinberg, CEO of Harvey. "As a leader in labor and employment law, the firm was looking for technology that could support the breadth and complexity of its work at scale, along with a team that could help translate the potential of AI into practical applications for its attorneys and clients. We're proud to have been selected as the partner to help advance that vision."