Clarissa advocates zealously and effectively for employee benefit plans, plan administrators, plan sponsors, and other fiduciaries before federal and state courts and government regulatory agencies.
As a director in our nationally recognized ERISA litigation group (First Tier Nationally in US News and World Report Best Lawyers), she has handled a broad spectrum of litigation, including cases involving benefit claims, fiduciary issues, plan administration, multiemployer plans, withdrawal liability, delinquent contributions, plan reimbursement and subrogation, non-ERISA benefit plans (such as governmental plans and church plans), and class actions. In addition to serving as an advocate in active litigation, Clarissa advises and represents retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and plan fiduciaries in investigations and agency actions commenced by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Taking a practical and thoughtful approach, Clarissa provides advice and support to plan fiduciaries in their determination of benefit claims and appeals.
With an eye for detail, she negotiates investment management and service provider agreements on behalf of plans and their fiduciaries.Clarissa is a frequent presenter on ERISA litigation, plan administration, benefit claims administration, and fiduciary responsibility. Clarissa has authored several articles, including articles on judicial review of benefit claims, remedies after CIGNA Corp. v. Amara, and arbitration provisions in plans.