Elizabeth S. Goldberg

Liz has broad experience representing both plan and service provider clients in DOL ERISA investigations. Liz has worked on more than 30 such DOL investigations including matters that have involved significant monetary disputes or enterprise risk. In assisting in such matters, Liz draws on her prior work experience that includes six years at the DOL’s Office of the Solicitor, primarily as an ERISA litigator. Liz also works with clients to perform internal audits to minimize any potential liability related to DOL investigations or ERISA litigation.

Liz’s experience also includes other matters before the DOL, including prohibited transaction exemption applications and representing clients in other DOL regulatory processes (such as ERISA rulemaking).

Liz advises fiduciaries and related parties and service providers on ERISA fiduciary compliance including on ERISA’s fiduciary rules, governance issues, and prohibited transaction exemptions. This includes her work with fiduciaries on governance issues, such as setting up fiduciary committees and drafting investment policies. She also provides related counseling on general employee benefit plan issues, such as tax qualification rules.

Liz negotiates all manner of benefits contracts on behalf of plans and financial services providers, including investment management agreements, trust agreements, transition management services, administrative service and recordkeeping contracts, and consulting agreements.

Liz has developed a specialization in a number of emerging fiduciary issues including retirement plan missing participant challenges; privacy and cybersecurity risks facing employee benefit plans; the use of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in retirement plan investing; and the offering of proprietary funds in 401(k) plans.

Liz is the deputy of the firm’s Fiduciary Duty Task Force.