Seyfarth Shaw LLP today announced that Diane V. Dygert has been appointed chair of the firm’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation department.
As one of the largest employee benefits groups in the U.S., Seyfarth’s team of over 65 attorneys represent some of the largest and most well-known businesses in key industries, such as manufacturing, retail, health care, insurance and financial services. The multi-disciplinary team focuses on supporting clients’ ongoing legal counseling needs with respect to the establishment, maintenance and termination of their retirement, health, welfare, and executive compensation plans and programs. Seyfarth’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation department assist businesses with every aspect of these needs, from designing, drafting and implementing plans and agreements to counseling on compliance, fiduciary duties and administration.
A partner in the Chicago office and co-founder of the firm’s Health Care Reform Task Force, Dygert focuses much of her practice on health and welfare plans compliance, such as the Affordable Care Act. She regularly counsels and trains clients extensively on HIPAA privacy compliance and helps implement compliance plans. In addition, Dygert frequently provides counsel to clients on voluntary and involuntary severance and reductions in force.
“Diane is a natural leader with tremendous knowledge in all aspects of employee benefits, especially the current intricacies involving health care plans,” said Pete Miller, Seyfarth’s chair and managing partner. “As a former chair of the department, I know Diane is a perfect fit for this positon. She is well-respected by colleagues and clients alike and will thrive in her new role.”
“I am honored to lead this dynamic group of lawyers in such an exciting time for our firm,” said Dygert. “As businesses continue to grapple with new compliance mandates and legislative developments, I am proud to head a department known for its unmatched capabilities, excellent client service, and innovative approach to the practice.”
Dygert also has substantial experience helping establish, implement and administer both qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, and she regularly defends clients in audits with government agencies, including the IRS and DOL. Her practice also focuses on executive compensation matters, including deferred compensation plans, employment and severance agreements, stock options, restricted stock, and performance-based compensation.
