COURSE DESCRIPTION 2012 2013

Mr. Ralph Derbyshire,

2 credits day; 2 credits evening.

U.S. retirement plan assets amount to more than $11 trillion. This course provides an introduction to the federal laws governing this enormous industry. It examines the basic principles of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, and how these laws apply to employee benefit plans and the employers who sponsor them. Topics include: How does an employer design its plan? What are the requirements for receiving favorable tax treatment? What are the restrictions on plan investments? Who is a "fiduciary"? What is the Enron litigation about? Emphasis on practical considerations facing not only the pension lawyer, but also lawyers advising operating companies, labor unions, investment managers, hedge funds, and estate planners.

Prerequisite: Basic Federal Income Tax is helpful but not required

Elective Course

Meets Financial Services Concentration Requirements

Meets Health/Biomedical Concentration Requirements

Final Exam Required

Estate and Gift Taxation