Robert Rachal is the resident partner of the firm’s New Orleans Office. For close to 25 years, Robert has focused his practice on complex ERISA and executive compensation litigation, including defending DOL investigations, and on advising ERISA fiduciaries. Robert graduated summa cum laude and valedictorian of Tulane Law School, and clerked for Judge Jacques Wiener of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. From 2004 to 2016, Robert was a senior counsel at Proskauer, where his work included advising fiduciaries and defending companies, plan providers and plan fiduciaries in all types of complex ERISA litigation, e.g., from claims ESOP stock was overvalued, to claims 401(k) fees were excessive or that pension plans owed greater benefits under complex provisions of ERISA. Robert’s work also includes providing expert testimony and consulting on issues that arise in complex ERISA litigation and benefits claim processing.
LOCATION: New Orleans, LA
LICENSED TO PRACTICE IN: Louisiana Supreme Court, United States Second Circuit Court of Appeal, United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeal, United States Seventh Circuit Court of Appeal, United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeal, United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, United States District Court Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana, United States District Court Northern District of Texas, United States District Court District of Colorado, United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan
CURRENT FIRM: Holifield Janich Rachal & Ferrera
PRIOR FIRM(S):
Proskauer Rose | Shook, Hardy & Bacon LAW SCHOOL: Tulane University
HONORS AND AWARDS: Fellow, American College of Employee Benefits Counsel (2013-) and member Board of Governors (2016-). Listed in Best Lawyers® 2017 Lawyer of the Year, Litigation – ERISA, New Orleans. Chambers – La. Employee Benefits & Executive Comp 2013-2017.
PRACTICE AREA(S):
Compensation and Benefits
(ERISA and Tax Laws, Executive Compensation Arrangements, Health Benefit Plans, Retirement Plans, including 401(k)s and ESOPs)
Labor and Employment
INDUSTRY: Utilities, financial firms, employee benefit service providers, mid-market firms
NOTABLE ROLES/EXPERIENCE: Partner at Shook Hardy and Senior Counsel at Proskauer, where defended complex ERISA litigation for over 15 years. Non-profit work has included being management co-chair of the ABA Labor Section's Employee Benefits Committee.
