Richard J. Helmreich

In the complex and ever-evolving landscape of business, particularly when it comes to employee benefits, executive compensation, and corporate governance, having legal counsel that is both deeply knowledgeable and highly strategic is essential. For businesses, employers, and organizations throughout Ohio, navigating the intricate web of ERISA regulations, retirement plan compliance, and executive compensation structures can be a significant challenge. This is precisely where Richard J. Helmreich, a distinguished attorney based in Columbus, offers invaluable expertise and sophisticated guidance.

Richard J. Helmreich is a seasoned attorney and a partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where he chairs the Employee Benefits Practice Group. With over three decades of experience, his practice is singularly focused on providing comprehensive legal advice on the full spectrum of employee benefit plan issues. For businesses and employers across Ohio, this means having access to an attorney who can adeptly handle everything from the design and implementation of various tax-qualified retirement plans—including defined benefit pension plans, 401(k)s, profit sharing plans, and ESOPs—to the complexities of health and welfare plans, nonqualified deferred compensation, and executive compensation. His profound understanding of ERISA fiduciary compliance is particularly crucial, helping clients navigate the stringent requirements of federal law.

Beyond employee benefits, Richard also brings significant experience in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions (especially as they relate to benefits issues), and securities law. This multifaceted expertise allows him to offer holistic advice that considers the broader business implications of benefits decisions. He has been recognized repeatedly for his excellence, including being named "Lawyer of the Year" in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law in Columbus by The Best Lawyers in America® in both 2021 and 2025. His involvement extends to public service, having been appointed by the Secretary of Labor to the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans (ERISA Advisory Council) for a three-year term. This unique blend of private practice leadership, regulatory insight, and consistent peer recognition solidifies his standing as a leading legal authority in Ohio.

Choosing a legal professional with such a depth of specialized knowledge is a critical decision for any organization. For those in Ohio seeking an attorney who combines rigorous legal expertise with a practical approach to complex employee benefits and business law matters, Richard J. Helmreich stands out as a reliable and highly effective partner committed to fostering compliance and growth for his clients.

Convenient access is a key factor when seeking specialized legal counsel. Richard J. Helmreich’s office is strategically located in the bustling heart of Ohio’s capital city, Columbus, ensuring that it is readily accessible to clients from across the state. You can find his office at:

41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

This prominent downtown Columbus address places the office within a well-known building on High Street, a central and easily navigable thoroughfare. For clients traveling from various parts of Ohio—whether from major metropolitan areas like Cincinnati and Cleveland, or from closer communities within central Ohio—the office provides a convenient meeting point. Its central location also ensures proximity to state and federal courthouses, as well as various governmental and business institutions, which can be advantageous for legal proceedings and related activities, particularly those involving employee benefits and corporate compliance. The area around High Street typically offers a variety of parking solutions, and Columbus’s public transportation system also provides convenient access. This strategic and accessible location underscores Richard J. Helmreich’s commitment to serving the broad legal needs of the Ohio business community.

Richard J. Helmreich’s practice is deeply specialized in employee benefits and executive compensation, complemented by extensive experience in broader business and corporate law. His comprehensive services include:

• Employee Benefits: Advising employers on the full range of issues related to employee benefit plans.
• Retirement Plans: Assisting in the design, implementation, and compliance of various tax-qualified retirement plans, including defined benefit pension plans, profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans, money purchase pension plans, and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).
• Health and Welfare Plans: Providing counsel on the implementation of group health, dental, long-term disability, and group term life insurance benefits, as well as the design of self-insured medical benefits plans, cafeteria plans, and VEBA trusts.
• Nonqualified Deferred Compensation and Executive Compensation: Structuring and advising on nonqualified deferred compensation plans and various executive compensation arrangements.
• ERISA Fiduciary Compliance: Guiding fiduciaries through their obligations under ERISA, including risk management and best practices.
• ERISA and Employee Benefits Litigation: Representing clients in disputes related to employee benefit plans, including denial of benefits claims and fiduciary duty breaches.
• Benefits Issues Related to Mergers and Acquisitions: Addressing the complex employee benefits considerations that arise during corporate transactions.
• Audits and Correction: Assisting clients with government agency audits (e.g., IRS, Department of Labor) and guiding them through correction programs for plan errors.
• Equity and Non-Equity Based Incentive Plans: Structuring and advising on various incentive plans designed to motivate and retain key employees.
• Tax-Exempt and Governmental Employers: Providing specialized benefits counsel to non-profit organizations and governmental entities.
• Corporate Governance: Advising on best practices for corporate structure, board responsibilities, and shareholder relations.
• Business Succession Planning: Assisting businesses in planning for leadership transitions and ownership changes.
• Securities Law: Providing counsel on regulatory compliance and corporate governance matters under federal securities laws, particularly as they relate to employee stock plans.

Richard J. Helmreich's distinguished legal career is characterized by several significant features and highlights that underscore his expertise and standing as a leading attorney in Ohio:

• Chair of Employee Benefits Practice Group: Leads the specialized employee benefits practice at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, demonstrating his leadership and in-depth knowledge in this complex field.
• Extensive Experience: Boasts over three decades of legal experience, providing a wealth of practical insight and proven strategies for clients.
• "Lawyer of the Year" Recognition: Named by The Best Lawyers in America® as a "Lawyer of the Year" in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law in Columbus, Ohio, for both 2021 and 2025, highlighting consistent peer and industry recognition of his excellence.
• ERISA Advisory Council Appointment: Appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Labor to the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans (ERISA Advisory Council), providing a unique insight into federal policy-making and regulatory perspectives.
• Comprehensive Benefits Expertise: Covers the full spectrum of employee benefits, from tax-qualified retirement plans and ESOPs to health & welfare plans and executive compensation, offering holistic solutions.
• Business and Corporate Acumen: Integrates employee benefits advice with a strong understanding of corporate governance, M&A, and securities law, providing well-rounded business counsel.
• Highly Rated Professional: Recognized in Chambers USA as one of the leading attorneys in Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, and holds an AV Preeminent® rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, signifying the highest level of professional excellence.
• Active Community Involvement: Serves on the Board of Trustees for the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), demonstrating his commitment to the local community.
• Strong Educational Background: Holds a Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University, providing a solid foundation for his legal and business acumen.

While specific, publicly advertised promotions or special offers are not currently listed for Richard J. Helmreich’s practice, it is a professional norm for attorneys specializing in complex and niche areas like employee benefits and executive compensation to offer initial consultations. For employers, fiduciaries, or businesses in Ohio who are seeking legal advice on retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, executive compensation, or ERISA compliance, it is highly recommended to directly contact his office. An initial meeting can be an invaluable opportunity to discuss the specifics of your needs, gain preliminary insights into potential strategies, and determine how Richard J. Helmreich’s extensive experience and specialized knowledge align with your organization’s objectives. This direct engagement allows for a personalized assessment of your situation before committing to further legal services.

To connect with Richard J. Helmreich and his legal team at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
• Phone: (614) 227-2088
• Mobile Phone: +1 614-227-2088

These direct contact points ensure that you can easily reach out to discuss your employee benefits, executive compensation, or related business law needs. The team is prepared to assist you in scheduling a consultation or providing further information about their services.

For businesses and employers across Ohio, navigating the intricacies of employee benefits, executive compensation, and the overarching ERISA regulations requires legal representation that is not only highly skilled but also deeply attuned to the specific challenges and opportunities within the state’s business environment. Richard J. Helmreich is exceptionally well-suited for locals due to his profound specialization, extensive experience, and strategic location in Columbus.

His decades of experience and leadership in employee benefits law mean that Ohio-based organizations, whether large corporations, small businesses, or tax-exempt entities, have access to an attorney who understands the nuances of state and federal regulations impacting their workforce. This specialized focus ensures that compliance is maintained, risks are mitigated, and benefits strategies are aligned with overall business goals. For employers in Ohio, who are constantly adapting to changing healthcare laws, retirement plan rules, and executive compensation trends, Richard’s expertise provides critical peace of mind and strategic advantage.

Furthermore, his office in the heart of downtown Columbus offers unparalleled accessibility for clients throughout Ohio. This central location facilitates convenient in-person meetings and ensures proximity to key legal and governmental institutions that often deal with benefits and corporate compliance matters. Richard J. Helmreich’s combination of deep specialized knowledge, a proven track record of excellence, and a commitment to understanding and achieving client objectives makes him an ideal choice for any Ohio entity seeking robust and reliable legal representation in the complex world of employee benefits and business law.