Seth J. Hanft

In today's complex business environment, understanding and complying with employee benefits and executive compensation regulations is crucial for any organization, large or small. For businesses and non-profit entities across Ohio, particularly in the bustling capital city of Columbus, having expert legal counsel in these intricate areas is not just a strategic advantage, but a necessity to ensure compliance, attract talent, and manage mergers or acquisitions effectively. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Seth J. Hanft, a distinguished attorney serving the local community, to help you understand the comprehensive support he offers for your legal needs.

The legal landscape surrounding employee benefits, executive compensation, and corporate transactions in Ohio is constantly evolving, requiring highly specialized knowledge to navigate successfully. From designing comprehensive retirement plans to ensuring compliance with ERISA and the Affordable Care Act, or managing the benefits aspects of a major corporate merger, the stakes are high. Seth J. Hanft stands out as a highly-rated and experienced legal professional, known for his deep expertise and practical, business-focused approach. His practice is deeply rooted in understanding the specific needs of Ohio's diverse corporate and non-profit clientele, ensuring that local businesses receive legal services tailored to their unique circumstances and the intricacies of state and federal law.

This overview will delve into the specific areas of law where Seth J. Hanft excels, his accessible location for Ohio businesses, and why his legal services are particularly well-suited to address the concerns of organizations right here in our state. We understand that selecting a lawyer or legal counsel for your business is a critical decision, and our goal is to present a factual, professional, and engaging portrait to assist you in making an informed choice for your legal representation. Our aim is to empower you with the information needed to confidently seek the legal assistance you require, knowing that a trusted partner like Seth J. Hanft is available in your local community.

Ultimately, understanding the breadth of legal services available is the foundational step toward resolving any legal matter. We sincerely hope this article serves as a valuable resource for any Ohio entity seeking proficient, experienced, and locally-attuned legal assistance.

Seth J. Hanft's office is conveniently located at 41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. This prime address places him within the vibrant core of downtown Columbus, offering excellent accessibility for businesses and organizations throughout central Ohio and beyond. Situated within a bustling part of the state capital, the office is easily reachable by various modes of transportation, making it a practical choice for clients from different parts of the metropolitan area and other regions of the state.

For those commuting by car, the downtown Columbus location benefits from its proximity to major interstate highways, including I-70 and I-71, which intersect within the city. These significant transportation arteries ensure a straightforward drive from most surrounding suburbs and cities across Ohio, reducing travel time and enhancing convenience for clients. While specific parking details can vary in downtown areas, there are typically numerous public parking garages and street parking options available in the vicinity, though it's often advisable for clients to inquire about the most convenient parking solutions when planning their visit.

Public transportation in Columbus, operated by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), also serves the area exceptionally well. Numerous bus routes pass near 41 S High Street, providing a reliable and efficient option for those who prefer not to drive or who rely on public transit. This ease of access ensures that clients from diverse neighborhoods and communities can reach the office without significant logistical challenges, broadening the availability of specialized legal services.

The strategic placement of Seth J. Hanft's office in Columbus underscores his commitment to serving the wider Ohio business community. Being in the state capital, his practice is positioned within a hub of legal, commercial, and governmental activity and resources. This includes proximity to state and federal courthouses, regulatory bodies like the IRS and Department of Labor, and other essential legal infrastructure, which can be highly advantageous when handling complex employee benefits and executive compensation matters.

For any Ohio business considering legal representation in the specialized areas of employee benefits, executive compensation, or related corporate and tax law, the accessible location of Seth J. Hanft means that quality, expert legal counsel is within practical reach, minimizing travel time and making appointments more manageable for busy executives and HR professionals.

Seth J. Hanft's practice focuses on highly specialized and critical areas of law that are essential for employers and organizations of all sizes, including private and public companies, non-profit entities, and governmental bodies. His expertise encompasses all facets of employee benefit plan legal compliance, operation, and administration.

• Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation: This is the core of his practice, covering a wide array of services including:

  • Plan Design and Implementation: Advising on the creation and execution of defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans (such as 401(k)s), various types of welfare benefit programs (health, dental, life insurance), and nonqualified and executive compensation arrangements.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Guiding clients through the complexities of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code (IRS), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and other Department of Labor (DOL) regulations.

  • Audits and Inquiries: Representing clients during IRS and DOL inquiries and audits related to employee benefit plans.

  • Fiduciary Compliance: Advising on ERISA fiduciary duties and compliance issues, which are critical for those managing benefit plans.

  • Health and Welfare Benefit Plans: Expertise in the full spectrum of health and welfare benefit plans, including self-insured multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs), and assisting with ongoing federal/state compliance.

• Employee Benefits Transactional Support: Providing crucial counsel on the employee benefits aspects of corporate transactions, including:

  • Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Advising clients, including private equity funds and public/private businesses, on employee benefits-related due diligence, pre- and post-closing benefits transition issues, and compliance in M&A deals.

  • Divestitures and Corporate Spin-offs: Assisting with the restructuring of benefit plans and related issues during corporate separations.

• Business & Corporate Law: Offering legal support for general business and corporate matters that intersect with employee benefits, such as:

  • Corporate Governance: Advising on the legal framework for business operations.

  • Contract Drafting: Related to employee benefits and executive compensation.

• Tax: Business: Addressing the tax implications related to employee benefits, executive compensation, and corporate transactions, ensuring tax-efficient strategies.

Seth J. Hanft possesses a remarkable set of features and highlights that firmly establish him as a leading legal authority in his specialized fields, making him an excellent choice for businesses and organizations in Ohio.

• Top-Rated Expertise and Recognition: Seth J. Hanft is consistently recognized as a "Top Rated Employee Benefits Attorney" and has been selected to "Super Lawyers" and "Rising Stars" lists (e.g., Rising Stars for 2018), which are exclusive lists based on high peer recognition and professional achievement. Chambers USA also highlights his capabilities, with clients stating, "We have great confidence in Seth's abilities, knowledge and timeliness in turning around projects," and "Seth provides us with practical advice, being very responsive and willing to help." This widespread recognition underscores his high standing in the legal community.

• Highly Specialized Focus: His practice is deeply concentrated on employee benefits and executive compensation. This highly specialized focus means clients benefit from a profound understanding of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, Affordable Care Act compliance, and Department of Labor regulations. He guides employers through plan design, administration, compliance, and even complex audits and inquiries.

• Extensive Transactional Experience: Seth is highly adept at providing employee benefits-related transactional support in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. He works closely with companies, including private equity funds, on the benefits due diligence and post-closing transition issues for deals ranging from multi-billion dollar acquisitions to smaller transactions. This is a critical asset for businesses undergoing corporate changes in Ohio.

• Leadership Roles: Seth J. Hanft serves as the leader of the Columbus office's Tax Group and as co-leader of his firm's Employee Benefits Group's Health and Welfare and Employee Benefits Transactional Support Practice teams. These leadership positions demonstrate his deep expertise and trust within his firm.

• Strong Affiliation: He is an attorney at Baker & Hostetler LLP in Columbus, a highly reputable national law firm. This affiliation signifies access to vast resources, a collaborative environment, and adherence to the highest professional standards, all of which ultimately benefit his clients.

• Admitted in Ohio: Licensed to practice in Ohio since 2009, Seth J. Hanft possesses specific knowledge of Ohio state laws and regulations that might interact with federal employee benefits statutes, ensuring comprehensive and state-specific advice.

These features collectively highlight Seth J. Hanft as a highly experienced, recognized, and strategically valuable legal partner for any Ohio organization dealing with employee benefits, executive compensation, or related corporate matters.

In the specialized field of employee benefits and executive compensation law, particularly for business-to-business legal services, traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense are generally not applicable. The value provided by an attorney like Seth J. Hanft stems from his highly specialized expertise, extensive experience, and ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes to provide tailored, strategic solutions for businesses and organizations.

However, potential clients considering Seth J. Hanft for their legal needs can typically expect a highly professional and transparent engagement process. This process usually begins with an initial consultation, which serves a crucial purpose for both the prospective client and the attorney. During this consultation, you will have the opportunity to:

• Discuss the specific details of your organization's employee benefits, executive compensation, or transactional legal concerns in a confidential setting.

• Receive a preliminary assessment of your situation from an experienced legal professional who understands the intricacies of relevant federal and state laws (e.g., ERISA, ACA, Internal Revenue Code).

• Learn about potential legal strategies, compliance requirements, and pathways that might be applicable to your business needs, such as plan design, audit defense, or benefits integration during an M&A.

• Inquire about the firm's fee structure. For complex corporate legal matters, this typically involves hourly rates or project-based fees, and clarity on these arrangements is a hallmark of professional legal service.

While the initial consultation may or may not be complimentary, it provides invaluable insight and clarity without obligating a long-term commitment. It is a critical step for both parties to determine if there is a strong fit for representation and to define the scope of potential legal work. Businesses are always encouraged to directly contact the office to inquire about their specific consultation policy and to discuss fee arrangements.

For Ohio businesses, the primary "benefit" derived from engaging a highly-rated and specialized attorney like Seth J. Hanft comes from his ability to provide strategic, proactive legal counsel that can prevent costly compliance failures, mitigate risks during corporate transactions, and ensure that employee benefits and executive compensation plans are designed and administered effectively. This expert guidance, while not a "promotion," represents a significant investment in protecting an organization's legal and financial well-being, fostering a stable and compliant operational environment.

For businesses, non-profit entities, and governmental organizations in Ohio seeking expert legal assistance in employee benefits, executive compensation, and related corporate and tax law, connecting with Seth J. Hanft is straightforward.

• Address: 41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

• Phone: (614) 227-2052

• Mobile Phone: +1 614-227-2052

When you reach out to the office, it is advisable to have a concise overview of your organization's legal concern prepared. This will assist the administrative staff in efficiently directing your inquiry and connecting you with Seth J. Hanft or another relevant team member who can best assess your needs. Whether your business requires guidance on retirement plan compliance, executive compensation agreements, benefits integration during a merger, or defense against regulatory inquiries, the team is equipped to discuss how Seth J. Hanft's specialized expertise can provide the strategic support and guidance you require.

We highly recommend scheduling an appointment in advance. This ensures that Seth J. Hanft is available to dedicate his focused time and attention to your case, providing a productive consultation. The conveniently located Columbus office also provides a practical option for in-person visits for many corporate clients across Ohio.

For businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental entities throughout Ohio, particularly those located in and around Columbus, Seth J. Hanft stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly valuable resource for addressing their complex legal needs in employee benefits and executive compensation. Several key factors make his services an excellent fit for the local community.

Firstly, his highly specialized expertise is a critical advantage in today's intricate regulatory environment. Ohio's diverse economy features a wide array of businesses that must navigate federal and state laws governing employee benefits, retirement plans, and executive compensation. Seth J. Hanft's deep and recognized understanding of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, ACA, and DOL regulations ensures that local organizations receive expert, nuanced, and highly effective legal strategies. This specialization is paramount for ensuring compliance, optimizing benefit structures, and mitigating significant financial and legal risks, which is invaluable for any Ohio employer.

Secondly, his strong affiliation with Baker & Hostetler LLP, a highly reputable national law firm with a significant presence in Columbus, means that Ohio clients benefit from both local understanding and national resources. This combination provides robust legal backing, access to a broad network of legal professionals, and adherence to the highest standards of legal practice. For Ohio businesses, this translates into confidence that their complex employee benefits and executive compensation matters are handled with sophistication and extensive support.

Furthermore, Seth J. Hanft's consistent recognition as a "Top Rated" attorney and his inclusion in "Super Lawyers" and "Chambers USA" reflects high praise from peers and clients alike, underscoring his proven capability and the trust he has earned within the legal community. This external validation provides strong assurance for local businesses seeking to engage highly competent legal counsel for critical corporate matters.

Finally, the convenient and central location at 41 S High St in Columbus ensures exceptional accessibility for businesses across Ohio. Being situated in the state capital facilitates easy access for clients and provides proximity to key regulatory bodies and courts, streamlining interactions and enhancing efficiency. This blend of specialized knowledge, distinguished reputation, and practical accessibility makes Seth J. Hanft an ideal and strategic legal partner for Ohio organizations aiming to effectively manage their employee benefits and executive compensation challenges.