Richard D. Sommers
Of Counsel
Phone:
323.655.4700
Areas of Practice
Richard D. Sommers is widely recognized for his expertise in ERISA and employee benefits law. He was a partner at Schwartz, Steinsapir, Dohrmann & Sommers from 1975 to 2021 and is now of counsel. He has led our employee benefits practice in representing defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution plans, self-funded welfare plans, insured welfare programs, and apprenticeship and training plans, specializing in tax and compliance issues. Martindale-Hubble, the principal directory of attorneys in the United States, rates Mr. Sommers AV, the highest rating obtainable.
Professional History
Mr. Sommers' experience includes preparation of plans, summary plan descriptions, and trust agreements; qualification of plans and trusts with the Internal Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board; representation of plans and trustees before the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service regarding investigative audits, prohibited transaction exemptions, requests for advisory opinions and tax issues; representation of plans before the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; benefits litigation in state and federal courts; plan mergers, plan terminations; counseling funds and trustees regarding fiduciary obligations and due diligence; compliance with ERISA, Americans with Disabilities Act, HIPAA, PPA, and the PPACA and other state and federal statutory compliance issues; and preparation of contracts for all aspects of the activities of employee benefit plans, (e.g., contracts with banks, consultants, investment managers, insurance companies, securities lenders, brokers, PBMs, third party administrators and other service providers).
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Loyola Law School of Los Angeles ​
