J. Christopher Briggs

Chris Briggs focuses his practice 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

• 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 & Presentations

• “Managing Your DC Plan During a Pandemic,” webinar co-presented by Stoel Rives and Mercer, August 2020

• Included in The Best Lawyers in America^® (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law), 2024–present
• Selected as one of “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business” (Washington) by Chambers USA (Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation), 2022–present
• Listed among Rising Stars (Employee Benefits), Washington Law & Politics^®, 2010
• CALI Excellence for the Future Award, 2001, 2003

Professional

• Washington State Bar Association, Member
• State Bar of Texas, Member
• Western Pension & Benefits Conference, former Member