Jon Karelitz is a partner in the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Department of Seyfarth Shaw LLP. He helps employers develop and manage legally compliant compensation and benefit programs that are aligned with business and labor relations objectives. He regularly counsels clients regarding retirement plans and group health plans for union and non-union workforces, as well as executive compensation arrangements.

Retirement Plans. Mr. Karelitz advises clients regarding the implementation, administration and termination of traditional pension and 401(k) plans. His experience includes counseling clients regarding the effects of reductions-in-force, plant closings, spin-offs and other corporate events on existing retirement plans. Mr. Karelitz also trains plan fiduciaries on legal obligations and best practices for plan administration and the investment of plan assets. In addition, he routinely prepares plan documents and participant communications, and helps plan administrators respond to participant claims and appeals. He also assists clients with the correction of plan operational errors (including through formal IRS and DOL correction programs).

Executive Compensation. Mr. Karelitz helps employers hire, incentivize and discharge key employees. This work includes negotiating and drafting employment and severance agreements. Mr. Karelitz also helps clients navigate the complex tax rules governing non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements and performance-based compensation. In addition, he drafts executive compensation proxy disclosure materials and advises clients regarding compliance with related SEC rules.

Health & Welfare Plans. Mr. Karelitz advises employers regarding the design and day-to-day administration of group health and welfare plans, including compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., health care reform). He also trains management and human resources employees on legal obligations and best practices for the protection of employee health information, as required under HIPAA.

Other Activities. Mr. Karelitz is a director and member of the executive board of the Jewish Council for Youth Services (JCYS), and chairs the board’s HR committee. He is also the programming chair and a member of the steering committee for the Chicago chapter of the Worldwide Employee Benefits Network (WEB).