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Panel Proposals

Effective Governance

ESOP Litigation Update

Tuesday, April 7, 2026
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM CDT
Location: Baird Ballroom E
CE: 1
CE Type: CPE
Education Level: For All Levels
The theories of liability for ERISA litigation, including litigation involving ESOPs, continues to evolve. Our panel will discuss fiduciary rules and potential liability for plan sponsors, administrators, plan committee members, and trustees of ESOPS and other benefit plans, fiduciaries and litigation risks, and methods to avoid liability due to plan operations and transactions.

NCEO Publication: ESOP and 401(k) Plan Employer Stock Litigation Review 1990-2025
NCEO Resource: Legal Digest

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the fiduciary rules applicable to ESOPs and other benefit plans.
  2. Describe the risks of plan decisions and transactions by fiduciaries as illustrated by current litigation trends and cases.
  3. Identify ways for plan sponsors and fiduciaries to minimize potential liability.