Joanna C. Kerpen - Winston & Strawn LLP

For businesses and organizations navigating the intricate world of employee benefits and executive compensation, expert legal guidance is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. In Washington, D.C., a city at the forefront of policy and regulation, having a knowledgeable attorney who understands the nuances of these complex areas is crucial. Joanna C. Kerpen, a highly respected attorney at Winston & Strawn LLP, is a leading professional in this field, dedicated to providing sophisticated legal counsel to clients dealing with employee benefits, executive compensation, and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) matters. Her practice helps companies comply with ever-evolving federal and state laws, manage their plans effectively, and address regulatory challenges.

Joanna C. Kerpen’s work at Winston & Strawn LLP reflects a commitment to precision and strategic counsel in a specialized area of law that directly impacts the well-being of employees and the financial health of businesses. From the design and administration of various benefit plans to ensuring compliance with critical legislation like ERISA, HIPAA, and the ACA, Ms. Kerpen offers a comprehensive suite of services. This article aims to shed light on her expertise and the support she provides to the Washington, D.C. business community, detailing her location, specific services, unique strengths, and why her counsel is particularly relevant for local enterprises.

Joanna C. Kerpen practices at the Washington, D.C. office of Winston & Strawn LLP, a globally recognized law firm. Their office is conveniently located at 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places the firm in the vibrant heart of downtown Washington, D.C., within the bustling business district of Northwest.

The location offers exceptional accessibility for clients throughout the District of Columbia and the broader metropolitan area. The office is situated just a few blocks from several major Metro stations, including Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, Silver Lines), providing convenient access via public transportation. Numerous bus lines also operate along L Street NW and surrounding avenues, making it easy for individuals traveling from various neighborhoods. For those driving, commercial parking garages are available in the vicinity, although public transit is often a preferred option given downtown traffic. The central position of Winston & Strawn's office means clients have easy access to federal agencies such as the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service, with which Ms. Kerpen frequently interacts on behalf of her clients. The professional environment of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office ensures a comfortable and discreet setting for client meetings and consultations.

Joanna C. Kerpen’s practice at Winston & Strawn LLP focuses primarily on employee benefits tax and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) matters. Her extensive experience allows her to provide in-depth legal counsel on a wide array of related issues.

• Qualified Retirement Plans: Advising on the design, amendment, and administration of 401(k) plans, pension plans, and other qualified retirement plans to ensure compliance with the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA.

• Health and Welfare Plans: Providing comprehensive guidance on health and welfare plan compliance with critical legislation such as ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and the ACA (Affordable Care Act).

• Executive Compensation Plans: Assisting clients with the design, implementation, and compliance of executive compensation plans, including navigating the complexities of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

• Regulatory Compliance and Filings: Monitoring day-to-day compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and assisting clients with voluntary correction filings under the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS) and applications for determination letters on plan termination and tax-qualification.

• Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Representation: Representing clients before the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service in audits, investigations, and other regulatory matters.

• Mergers and Acquisitions Due Diligence: Providing counsel on employee benefits and executive compensation aspects related to corporate transactions, ensuring seamless integration and compliance during mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring.

• Fiduciary Duties: Advising plan sponsors and fiduciaries on their responsibilities under ERISA, helping them manage their obligations and mitigate potential liabilities.

• Wellness Programs Compliance: Addressing the legal and compliance aspects of employee wellness programs, particularly in light of evolving regulations and potential lawsuits related to tobacco surcharges and other aspects.

Joanna C. Kerpen’s practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make her an exceptional resource for clients in Washington, D.C.:

• Specialized Expertise: Ms. Kerpen possesses an LL.M., with distinction, from Georgetown University Law Center, specifically focusing on tax law, which provides her with an advanced and highly specialized understanding of the complex tax implications of employee benefits. This complements her J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

• Deep Regulatory Knowledge: Her extensive experience includes advising on and monitoring compliance with a wide array of federal statutes, including ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, HIPAA, and the ACA. She is adept at navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape, providing proactive advice to clients.

• Experience with Federal Agencies: Ms. Kerpen has a proven track record of representing clients before significant federal bodies such as the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service, demonstrating her capability to handle high-stakes regulatory interactions.

• Thought Leadership: Joanna C. Kerpen is a published author in the Loyola Law Journal and frequently contributes to insights and news on employee benefits topics, as evidenced by her firm's blog posts on health and welfare developments and Department of Labor civil penalties. This demonstrates her continuous engagement with the cutting edge of her practice area.

• Client-Focused Approach: As part of Winston & Strawn LLP, she benefits from and contributes to a firm-wide ethos of understanding clients' organizations and business objectives deeply, working collaboratively to provide quick and effective responses to their needs.

• Part of a Highly Ranked Firm: Winston & Strawn LLP is consistently recognized in leading legal directories like The Legal 500 U.S. and Best Lawyers in America®, highlighting the firm’s, and by extension Ms. Kerpen's, commitment to excellence and high ethical standards.

While individual lawyers at large corporate firms like Winston & Strawn LLP do not typically offer consumer-style "promotions" or "special offers," the firm's structure and client engagement model provide significant value and strategic advantages.

• Strategic Partnership and Comprehensive Support: Winston & Strawn LLP focuses on establishing long-term, strategic partnerships with its clients. This means providing not just reactive legal services but proactive advice and risk management, which can prevent costly compliance issues or litigation down the line. The depth and breadth of the firm's resources, including Ms. Kerpen's specialized expertise, offer a competitive advantage.

• Global Reach and Integrated Services: For local businesses in D.C. that operate nationally or internationally, Ms. Kerpen's affiliation with Winston & Strawn LLP means access to a global network of legal professionals. This integrated approach ensures that complex legal issues spanning multiple jurisdictions, or requiring expertise in diverse practice areas, can be addressed seamlessly by a coordinated team.

• Thought Leadership and Up-to-Date Insights: The firm and Ms. Kerpen regularly publish articles and insights on the latest developments in employee benefits and executive compensation law. Clients benefit from this proactive dissemination of knowledge, staying informed about critical changes and trends that could impact their operations. This advisory service is an inherent part of their value proposition.

For businesses and organizations in Washington, D.C. seeking expert legal counsel on employee benefits, executive compensation, or ERISA matters, Joanna C. Kerpen can be reached through the Winston & Strawn LLP Washington, D.C. office.

• Address: 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

• Phone: (202) 282-5145

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-282-5145

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the office directly to inquire about Ms. Kerpen's availability and to discuss their specific legal needs.

For businesses and organizations operating in the District of Columbia, Joanna C. Kerpen at Winston & Strawn LLP offers an indispensable resource for navigating the complex and constantly evolving landscape of employee benefits and executive compensation law. The suitability of Ms. Kerpen and her firm for local clients stems from several key factors.

Firstly, her specialized expertise in ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, HIPAA, and the ACA directly addresses the critical compliance needs of any employer in the region, from small businesses to large corporations. In a regulatory hub like Washington, D.C., staying ahead of legislative changes and intricate compliance requirements is paramount to avoiding penalties and fostering a stable workforce. Ms. Kerpen’s advanced legal education and practical experience in representing clients before federal agencies like the DOL and IRS provide a distinct advantage for local entities facing regulatory scrutiny or seeking to proactively ensure adherence to the law.

Secondly, the strategic location of Winston & Strawn LLP in downtown D.C. makes it highly accessible for local clients, facilitating convenient meetings and direct engagement. This geographical proximity also means Ms. Kerpen and her team are intimately familiar with the local business environment and any specific D.C.-area regulations that might intersect with federal benefits laws.

Lastly, aligning with a firm of Winston & Strawn's caliber means local businesses gain access to comprehensive legal resources and a reputation for excellence. While individual promotions aren't offered, the inherent value of meticulous legal counsel, proactive risk management, and the depth of knowledge available through Ms. Kerpen and her colleagues represents a significant investment in a business's long-term stability and success. For any D.C.-based entity seeking to effectively manage their employee benefits and executive compensation programs in a highly regulated environment, Joanna C. Kerpen is an exemplary choice.