ERISA Lawyer Jeremy M. Pelphrey Joins Drinker Biddle in Los Angeles

Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP bolstered its ERISA and employee benefits capabilities with the addition of Jeremy M. Pelphrey to its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group. He joins the firm as a partner in the Los Angeles office. Most recently, Mr. Pelphrey was a partner at Fox Rothschild LLP.

Mr. Pelphrey advises businesses, fiduciaries and funds on a variety of ERISA and transaction-based matters. He represents privately held middle-market and emerging growth companies in mergers and acquisitions, spinoffs, and private sponsor and institutional buyer transactions. Mr. Pelphrey also advises companies on business succession plans and frequently represents parties involved in the formation and disposition of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).

“Jeremy is an entrepreneurial lawyer who strengthens our industry-leading ERISA and benefits practice,” said Andrew C. Kassner, chairman and CEO of Drinker Biddle. “His addition helps advance our strategic objective to grow in California.”

Mr. Pelphrey handles correction programs for ERISA-covered plans and drafts submissions, negotiates settlements, and resolves issues with governmental officials and agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Labor. He is a frequent author and speaker on issues related to ESOPs and tax-qualified plans, health and welfare benefit plans, and fiduciary consulting.

“Jeremy’s significant experience advising companies on ESOP and other transactional matters complements the capabilities of our current practice team,” said Sarah Bassler Millar, chair of Drinker Biddle’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group. “He is a well-respected lawyer and we’re excited to have him on the team.”

Mr. Pelphrey earned his J.D. from The Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University and his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University.