To be competitive in today’s job market, many businesses find it essential to provide retirement and welfare benefits to some or all of their employees.  Retirement benefits may include qualified plans such as 401(k), profit sharing and defined benefit plans, or nonqualified plans, such as bonus plans or split dollar life insurance plans.  In addition, many businesses offer stock option plans, restricted stock arrangements, stock appreciation rights or other equity-type incentives to their key employees.  Welfare benefits may include health, life or disability plans, severance pay arrangements and cafeteria plans.  Our attorneys have extensive experience designing and operating these plans, and keeping them in compliance with state and federal laws.  We have also represented many employers before the IRS and Department of Labor in connection with their plans.