David E. Rogers - Winston & Strawn LLP

For businesses, corporations, and organizations in the District of Columbia, managing employee benefits and executive compensation plans is a critical yet complex endeavor. Navigating the intricate web of federal regulations, including ERISA, and ensuring compliance with the IRS, Department of Labor (DOL), and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), requires highly specialized legal expertise. When these critical aspects of business operations are at stake, having a seasoned and reputable attorney is not just beneficial, but essential. This is precisely the caliber of legal counsel offered by David E. Rogers, the Managing Partner of Winston & Strawn LLP's Washington, D.C. office.

David E. Rogers is a nationally recognized leader in the field of employee benefits and executive compensation law. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of both the legal and practical aspects of benefit plans, he advises a broad spectrum of clients, from large publicly traded companies to major hospital systems. His practice encompasses all areas of qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, executive compensation arrangements, and executive employment agreements. Clients consistently praise him as "very knowledgeable, responsive, and practical," and highly recommend him for any employee benefits counsel needs. Based in the nation's capital, Mr. Rogers and Winston & Strawn LLP are perfectly situated to assist D.C.-based entities with their most challenging and sensitive employee benefits matters, at the intersection of business, government, and law.

This article will provide a detailed overview of David E. Rogers' expertise and the services he offers through Winston & Strawn LLP, highlight the advantages of their Washington, D.C. location, outline their distinguishing features and accolades, and explain why this leading firm is an ideal resource for locals navigating the complexities of employee benefits law.

David E. Rogers practices from Winston & Strawn LLP's Washington, D.C. office, located at 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places the firm in a prime and highly accessible area of Northwest Washington, D.C., within the bustling central business district. This strategic location offers exceptional convenience for clients, whether they are local D.C. corporations, national businesses with a D.C. presence, or individuals requiring specialized legal counsel in the heart of federal regulatory activity.

The office on L Street NW benefits from excellent public transportation links. It is conveniently situated within walking distance of several major Metro stations, including Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, and Silver lines). This provides seamless access for clients commuting from various parts of the District, as well as from the Maryland and Virginia suburbs connected by the extensive Metro system. Numerous Metrobus routes also serve the L Street corridor and surrounding areas, offering additional flexible transit options. The neighborhood is characterized by a vibrant mix of professional offices, dining establishments, and amenities, making it easy to navigate for visitors.

For clients traveling by car, the vicinity of 1901 L Street NW offers multiple commercial parking garages. While parking in downtown D.C. can sometimes be challenging, the availability of various nearby facilities ensures reliable options for those who choose to drive. The building itself is a prominent and recognizable structure in the D.C. commercial landscape, ensuring a straightforward arrival for those with appointments. This central and well-connected location underscores Winston & Strawn LLP's commitment to being readily available and accessible to their diverse clientele.

David E. Rogers' practice at Winston & Strawn LLP is deeply focused on employee benefits and executive compensation matters, providing comprehensive counsel on a wide range of related legal issues:

• Qualified Retirement Plans: Advising on the design, implementation, and ongoing compliance of various qualified retirement plans, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k)s), ensuring adherence to ERISA and IRS regulations.

• Nonqualified Retirement Plans: Counseling on the structure and compliance of nonqualified deferred compensation plans, including top-hat plans and other executive arrangements, under IRC Section 409A and other applicable laws.

• Health and Welfare Plans: Providing guidance on regulatory compliance for various health and welfare benefit plans, including those subject to ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

• Executive Compensation: Advising on the design, implementation, and legal compliance of executive compensation arrangements, including deferred compensation, equity compensation, severance plans, and executive employment agreements.

• ERISA Compliance and Governance: Representing large publicly traded companies and hospital systems in all areas of ERISA compliance, fiduciary duties, and governance matters.

• Regulatory Interactions: Extensive experience working with key federal agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of Labor (DOL), and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to obtain rulings, advisory opinions, and address other regulatory matters.

• PBGC Negotiated Rulemaking: Notably, Mr. Rogers represented large employers on the PBGC's Negotiated Rulemaking Committee on Reportable Events, demonstrating his influence in shaping key regulations.

• Bankruptcy and Employee Plans: Representing Chapter 7 and 11 trustees in their role as sponsors or administrators of employee pension and welfare benefit plans, addressing a broad range of issues that arise in bankruptcy contexts.

• Supreme Court Litigation: Co-counsel in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Beck v. PACE (2007), which resulted in a unanimous decision on fiduciary duties related to the termination of qualified defined benefit pension plans.

David E. Rogers and Winston & Strawn LLP offer numerous distinguishing features and highlights that underscore their prominence and suitability for clients in Washington, D.C.:

• National Recognition and Accolades: David E. Rogers is consistently recognized as a leading lawyer in Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation by prestigious publications such as Chambers USA (2018–2025), The Legal 500 US (Hall of Fame 2017–2024, Leading Lawyer 2009–2016), The Best Lawyers in America® (2021–2025), and Lawdragon (500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers, Most Powerful Employment Lawyers, ERISA Section). These accolades attest to his elite standing in the field.

• Managing Partner of DC Office: As the Managing Partner of Winston & Strawn's Washington, D.C. office, Mr. Rogers plays a key leadership role, ensuring the office maintains its high standards and strategic focus at the intersection of business and government.

• Extensive Regulatory Experience: His deep knowledge and experience include direct engagement with the IRS, DOL, and PBGC, providing clients with invaluable insights into regulatory processes and expectations.

• Supreme Court Experience: Involvement as co-counsel in a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision on fiduciary duties in pension plan termination demonstrates his capability to handle the most complex and high-profile legal challenges.

• Client Testimonials: Clients describe Mr. Rogers as "very knowledgeable, responsive, and practical," and praise his ability to "get into the weeds of knowing our business, understanding our culture and provides guidance around both," indicating a client-centric and strategic approach.

• Thought Leadership & Public Service: Mr. Rogers has served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center, taught ERISA seminars, was a member of the Congressional Task Force on the D.C. Retirement Board, and is involved with organizations like the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, reflecting his commitment to the legal community and public service.

• Comprehensive Firm Capabilities: As part of Winston & Strawn LLP, clients also benefit from the resources of a global law firm with a strong presence in areas like litigation, restructuring, healthcare, and financial services, providing integrated legal solutions.

As a highly reputable and specialized attorney within an international law firm like Winston & Strawn LLP, David E. Rogers and his team do not typically advertise conventional "promotions" or "special offers" for legal services. The value provided by a firm of this caliber in complex areas like employee benefits and executive compensation is derived from their deep expertise, strategic insights, and proven track record in navigating intricate regulatory and compliance challenges.

Instead, the firm focuses on providing top-tier, tailored legal solutions for their clients' specific needs. Prospective clients seeking to engage David E. Rogers' expertise can typically arrange for an initial consultation. During this consultation, the firm's attorneys can assess the client's particular situation, outline potential legal strategies, and discuss the firm's fee structure. This transparent approach ensures that clients are well-informed about the scope of work and associated costs. For businesses and organizations in Washington, D.C., facing complex employee benefits or executive compensation issues, directly contacting Winston & Strawn LLP to discuss a consultation is the recommended first step.

For businesses, corporations, and organizations in Washington, D.C., seeking expert legal counsel on employee benefits and executive compensation matters, David E. Rogers at Winston & Strawn LLP can be reached via:

• Address: 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

• Phone: (202) 282-5885

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-282-5885

Connecting by phone is the most direct way to discuss your specific legal needs and to schedule a consultation with Mr. Rogers' team.

For the diverse array of businesses, organizations, and governmental entities operating within the District of Columbia, David E. Rogers and Winston & Strawn LLP offer an exceptionally suitable and indeed critical legal partnership. D.C. is unique in its concentration of federal agencies, non-profits, large corporations with D.C. offices, and international organizations, all of whom must meticulously navigate federal employee benefits and executive compensation laws.

Mr. Rogers' profound specialization in ERISA, qualified and nonqualified plans, and his extensive experience interacting with the IRS, DOL, and PBGC, directly addresses the complex regulatory environment prevalent in the nation's capital. For a D.C.-based public company managing a large pension plan, or a non-profit designing executive compensation, his expertise provides invaluable guidance to ensure compliance and mitigate significant risks. His involvement in a U.S. Supreme Court case further underscores his capacity to handle the highest-stakes legal challenges, which are not uncommon for entities operating in D.C.

The firm's strategic location on L Street NW ensures easy accessibility for local clients, facilitating seamless collaboration and timely legal advice. The consistently positive client feedback, highlighting his responsiveness and practicality, means that D.C. locals can expect clear, actionable guidance in a field that is often dense with legal jargon. In a city where compliance with federal regulations is paramount, David E. Rogers and Winston & Strawn LLP stand as a premier, locally accessible resource for all complex employee benefits and executive compensation legal needs.