Employee Benefits Partner Kimberly Jones Joins Drinker Biddle in Chicago

National law firm Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP announced today that Kimberly A. Jones has joined the firm’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group as a partner in its Chicago office. She comes to the firm from Ogletree Deakins.

For more than a decade, Jones has represented clients in ERISA and non-ERISA employee benefits matters at both the U.S. federal and state court levels. Her clients include insurance companies, employers, plan administrators, claim administrators, and multiemployer benefit funds. Jones has worked with these clients on a variety of benefit claim litigation matters, including disability, life, health, pension claim denials, and ERISA breach of fiduciary duty claims.

“Kim is an excellent lawyer with a deep understanding of ERISA litigation,” said Andrew C. Kassner, chairman and CEO of Drinker Biddle. “She has exceptional skills and will provide immediate value to our clients, adding depth to our strong national Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation team.”

Jones has experience arguing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and has represented clients in administrative employee benefits matters. She also provides expert counseling and guidance to clients regarding benefit claims and plan design.

"Kim’s experience advising a diverse group of clients makes her a key addition and perfect fit for our platform," said Sarah Bassler Millar, chair of Drinker Biddle’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group. "Her federal and state court experience, along with her ability to work hand-in-hand with clients on a comprehensive range of benefit claim litigation matters, will make Kim a valued resource. We are delighted to welcome her to our team."

Jones earned her J.D. degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law, where she graduated cum laude. She also holds a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in journalism and communications from the University of Florida.

In addition to Jones, the firm added Gregory J. Ossi and Jason S. Luter earlier this year to its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group. Based in Washington, D.C., Ossi’s practice is focused on multiemployer pension plan withdrawal matters, while Luter, residing in the firm’s Dallas office, has significant experience in ERISA, tax controversy and employment litigation matters.

This month, Drinker Biddle significantly expanded it financial services ERISA litigation practice with the addition of what has grown to be an 18-lawyer group in Washington, D.C., and a newly established office in Hartford, CT. The lawyers defend financial institutions, life insurers, mutual funds, investment firms, and banks in high-stakes matters, including ERISA, RICO, securities and pension cases. The team members are particularly well known for their success in blocking class actions.