PHILADELPHIA, October 29, 2010: Morgan Lewis this week announced that Brian J. Dougherty—a cum laude Harvard Law graduate who was a partner at the firm until 2006, when he left to build an employee benefits practice at a regional firm—has returned to the firm as a partner in its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice, resident in Philadelphia. He rejoins the full-service firm at a time when the issues surrounding employee benefits and executive compensation—closely watched by business leaders and the public alike—have become increasingly complex.
"I look forward to working with my old colleagues," noted Dougherty upon his return.
Mr. Dougherty's practice involves all aspects of employee benefits and ERISA, including compliance, plan design and administration, litigation, and executive compensation, including equity compensation, nonqualified arrangements, and employment agreements.
"We are excited to work with Brian again," said Robert J. Lichtenstein, leader of the firm's Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice. "He will be an asset to the firm and our clients, as he assumes key roles in our practice, such as co-leading our Plan Sponsor Task Force, and once again contributes to our employee benefits and transactional work."
Before concentrating his practice in employee benefits, Mr. Dougherty practiced in the area of labor and employment law. Reflecting his labor relations background, a substantial portion of Mr. Dougherty's practice involves collectively bargained employee benefits. He represents a number of large- and medium-sized clients in both for-profit and tax-exempt industries.