Overview

Monica Novak counsels tax-exempt and for-profit clients on the complex and diverse array of statutes and regulations that apply to employee benefit plans and executive compensation arrangements. She provides guidance and support in designing compliant benefit programs, and assists clients with corrective actions when appropriate to ensure ongoing legal compliance. Monica also represents clients in negotiating stock and asset purchase agreements and merger agreements, resolving potential benefit plan liabilities and integrating benefit plans in the aftermath of acquisitions.

Employee Benefits

Monica assists clients with the design, implementation and administration of employee benefit plans and executive compensation arrangements, including:

  • Health and welfare benefits
  • Tax-qualified retirement plans
  • Nonqualified deferred compensation plans
  • Equity compensation plans
  • Benefit integration in connection with corporate transactions and strategic growth.

Compliance

Monica routinely counsels clients on all aspects of benefit plans to help ensure consistency with plan terms and compliance with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, the Affordable Care Act, HIPAA, COBRA and other federal laws. She assists clients in designing comprehensive employee benefit offerings, negotiating terms of employee benefit programs with third-party service providers, and communicating key features of employee benefit programs to employees and executives. Monica also counsels clients on correcting benefit plan compliance errors through the IRS employee plans compliance resolution system and the Department of Labor voluntary fiduciary correction program. She also helps clients respond to investigation requests from the IRS and the DOL. 

Personal Interests

Outside of work, Monica enjoys time with her family, including taking bike rides throughout the forest preserves of the Philadelphia suburbs, reading together and volunteering in the community.

Related Legal Services

Related Industries

Related Topics

Credentials

Bar Admissions

California
Illinois
Pennsylvania

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Education

Harvard Law School
J.D. Journal of Law & Gender (2008)

Knox College
B.A. magna cum laude (1999)

National Louis University - Chicago
M.Ed. (2003)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives

Firm Blog Contributions

  • Spotlight on Benefits – a blog offering practical insight on legal developments which impact benefit plans

Leadership & Community

Professional Associations

  • Employee Benefits Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association

Civic Activities

  • Bala Cynwyd Library Board of Directors
  • Girl Scouts of America – Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter