Overview
Chris Briggs is a partner in the firm’s Employee Benefits practice section. His practice focuses on all aspects of employee benefits, including qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, health and welfare plans, and fringe benefits plans. He also focuses on executive compensation matters, including the impact of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. In addition, Chris has extensive experience advising clients on benefits issues presented by mergers and acquisitions.
Chris regularly assists government entities with their unique benefits issues, including Internal Revenue Code 403(b) and 457(b) plans, grandfathered Internal Revenue Code 401(k) plans and the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 457(f).
In addition, Chris helps public and private companies comply with regulatory matters, including ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and underlying regulations. He also assists clients in petitioning the IRS or DOL for relief when these regulations have not been satisfied.
Education
New York University School of Law, LL.M., 2005
Seattle University School of Law, J.D., 2004, summa cum laude; Editor, Law Review; Dean's List
University of Washington, B.A., 2001
Admissions
Washington
Experience
- Provide due diligence review of all benefits plans, stock option plans and executive employment agreements in connection with foreign company acquisition of a U.S. company.
- Conduct fiduciary training for employees who serve on benefit plan committees.
- Prepare corrective filings for IRS and DOL.
- Advise plan sponsors on self-correction of operational failures.
- Prepare determination letter applications for qualified retirement plans and negotiate resolutions with IRS.
- Prepare qualified separate line of business analysis and filings.
Insights
Insights & Presentations
- “Managing Your DC Plan During a Pandemic,” webinar co-presented by Stoel Rives and Mercer, August 2020
Speaking Engagements
Publications
Press Releases
Recognition
- Included in The Best Lawyers in America® (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law), 2024
- Selected as one of “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business” (Washington) by Chambers USA (Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation), 2022–2023
- Listed among Rising Stars (Employee Benefits), Washington Law & Politics®, 2010
- CALI Excellence for the Future Award, 2001, 2003
Affiliations
Professional
- Washington State Bar Association, Member
- State Bar of Texas, Member
- Western Pension & Benefits Conference, Member, 2007–2012