Mr. Joseph James Torres, JD
Partner and Chair, ERISA Litigation Practice and Co-chair, Labor and Employment Practice
Jenner & Block LLP
Mr. Torres is chair of Jenner & Block's ERISA Litigation Practice and co-chair of its Labor and Employment Practice. He concentrates his practice in labor, employment and ERISA litigation before the state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as administrative agencies such as the NLRB, the EEOC, the DOL and OSHA in a wide variety of discrimination, employee benefit, whistleblower, retaliation and other labor and employment claims arising under state and federal law.
Mr. Torres also advises clients on collective bargaining relationships and labor disputes, including formulation of bargaining strategies, contract administration, maintenance of operations during labor disputes and responses to “corporate” campaigns.
Additionally, Mr. Torres has a broad range of experience representing clients in matters arising under ERISA. He has defended clients in claims for vested retiree benefits, alleged wrongful denial of or interference with employee benefits and breach of fiduciary duty. He has also represented clients in complex withdrawal liability matters involving multiemployer pension plans. Mr. Torres has considerable experience in the analysis and interpretation of ERISA-governed plans and has defended clients in audits involving union-sponsored health and welfare plans, as well as advising clients contemplating the establishment, modification or termination of employee benefits plans.
Mr. Torres represents clients in the negotiation of employment and related agreements, both for individuals and in connection with corporate transactions and reductions-in-force, and has extensive experience in the areas of covenants not to compete, including the protection of trade secrets and other proprietary information. In addition, Mr. Torres advises clients on the establishment and maintenance of employment policies, wage payment and compensation issues and the development and implementation of effective human resources strategies.
