J. Christopher Briggs

J. Christopher Briggs

Partner
Seattle, WA
Overview

About Chris

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.

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Experience

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.
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Honors

Honors & Activities

  • 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
  • Member, Washington State Bar Association
  • Member, State Bar of Texas
  • Member, Western Pension & Benefits Conference, 2007–2012
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Award, 2001, 2003
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Insights & Presentations

Insights & Presentations

  • “Managing Your DC Plan During a Pandemic,” webinar co-presented by Stoel Rives and Mercer, August 2020
  • “Common Employment Law and Employee Benefits Mistakes and How to Avoid Them” (co-presenter), American Society of Women Accountants, Bellevue Chapter, Bellevue, Washington, June 2012
  • “December 31, 2008, Deadline to Bring Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Arrangements, Severance Pay Arrangements, Incentive Stock Options and Employment Agreements into Compliance with Section 409A and to Make Modifications to Time and Form of Payment,” Stoel Rives Legal Update, September 2008
  • “Employee Benefits Law Alert: Extensive Transition Relief Under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A,” Stoel Rives Legal Update, October 2007
  • “Employee Benefits Law Alert: Limited Transition Relief Under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A,” Stoel Rives Legal Update, September 2007
  • “Employee Benefits Law Alert: Overview of Key Provisions of the Section 409A Final Regulations,” Stoel Rives Legal Update, May 2007
  • “Employee Benefits Law Alert: Treasury and IRS Issue Final Regulations Regarding Deferred Compensation Plans,” Stoel Rives Legal Update, April 2007



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