Strategic support for employers navigating audits, investigations, and disputes while protecting plans, fiduciaries, and organizational interests.
ERISA Disputes & Investigations Services at Hall Benefits Law
Disputes & Investigations
Navigating 2026 ERISA disputes and investigations trends for employers in Atlanta and nationwide requires robust defense against rising class actions, fiduciary breach claims, and regulatory scrutiny from the DOL and IRS. At Hall Benefits Law (HBL), our disputes and investigations attorneys defend employers, plans, and fiduciaries with strategic approaches that minimize exposure, reduce risks, and protect benefit program integrity. With 136 new ERISA class actions filed in 2024—marking an increase—and emerging trends like over 30 lawsuits on 401(k) forfeitures, non-compliance can result in multimillion-dollar settlements, as seen in recent cases like Colgate-Palmolive's $332 million pension dispute resolution. Our team has extensive experience in federal courts, agency proceedings, and settlements, helping clients adapt to harder-to-win motions to dismiss and "quadfecta" fee suits extending to health plans.
Whether facing prohibited transaction claims or DOL investigations prioritizing ERISA enforcement in 2026, we provide proactive risk assessments and representation tailored to Georgia businesses and national operations. Common searches like "how to defend ERISA class action lawsuits" or "2026 DOL investigation priorities" guide our practice, emphasizing efficient resolutions to safeguard your organization. Contact our disputes and investigations counsel today to discuss your needs.
As proven leaders in ERISA disputes and investigations, the attorneys at Hall Benefits Law deliver high-stakes representation informed by 2026 trends, including easier prohibited transaction claims post-Cornell rulings and increased litigation as a disincentive to plan innovation. We’ve successfully navigated clients through complex cases, reducing potential liabilities by leveraging appellate insights and settlement strategies that resolve matters cost-effectively, often avoiding prolonged trials.
Internal Investigations and Reviews
Conducting assessments of plan operations, fiduciary conduct, and violations to preempt litigation.
Government Investigations
Responding to DOL and IRS inquiries, audits, and enforcement actions, aligned with 2026 priorities for ERISA investigations.
Risk Assessment and Prevention
Advising on defensive provisions like arbitration clauses to prevent lawsuits, integrated with our Fiduciary Governance services.
We serve diverse clients, including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, health insurance brokers, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, with a focus on Atlanta-based employers and nationwide reach. For related audit support, explore our Audits & Corrections page.
Challenge:
Mitigating Risk from Rising ERISA Class Actions
Excessive fee suits and health plan fiduciary lawsuits contribute to heightened scrutiny of plan sponsors.
Solution:
We review contract language and develop strategies, leveraging recent legislation, to document sound fiduciary oversight.
Challenge:
Handling DOL Investigations in 2026
Priorities include ERISA enforcement, with litigation deterring plan innovation.
Solution:
Conduct internal reviews and prepare responses to minimize penalties and resolve inquiries swiftly.
Challenge:
Addressing Prohibited Transaction Claims
Easier claims post-Cornell make fiduciary breaches more litigable.
Solution:
Implement compliance audits and defensive plan provisions to prevent and defend against allegations.
Challenge:
Managing 401(k) Forfeiture Disputes
Over 30 new lawsuits allege improper use of forfeitures.
Solution:
Review plan documents and negotiate settlements, drawing on insights from similar cases like Colgate-Palmolive.
FAQs on Disputes & Investigations
Increases in class actions (136 new in 2024), harder dismissals, "quadfecta" fee suits, and forfeiture disputes, with litigation impacting plan innovation.
By using arbitration provisions and motions, our experienced counsel navigate circuit splits and Supreme Court denials to protect clients.
Focus on ERISA compliance, fiduciary breaches, and plan enforcement, requiring proactive internal investigations.
Incorporate defensive provisions like arbitration clauses and class waivers in plan documents.
Claims often involve fees or investments; we mitigate risk with experience from significant 2025 abatements.
Through mediation, as in L3Harris or Colgate-Palmolive cases, minimizing exposure.
Awards & Recognition
Hall Benefits Law’s ERISA & Compliance team has earned notable recognition in employee benefits law. The firm is a 2026 Best Law Firms® recipient. Managing Partner Anne Tyler Hall is recognized for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 edition. Anne Tyler Hall is a past Super Lawyers Rising Star recipient, and the firm is an Inc. 5000 business, recognized as the fastest-growing firm of its kind in the U.S. for nearly a decade.
Stay Informed
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Meet the Team
Our professionals bring extensive experience in disputes and investigations matters. Contact our key team members:
Anne Tyler Hall
Managing Partner
Contact: (470) 344-6773
Specializing in ERISA litigation and defenses, with recognition in Best Lawyers 2026.
Samuel Krause
Partner
Contact: (678) 439-6236
Focused on class actions, appeals, and fiduciary disputes.
Ready to optimize your Disputes & Investigations strategy?
Reach out to Hall Benefits Law's team in Atlanta for personalized guidance.