Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered

In the intricate world of legal and financial regulations, particularly concerning employee benefits and multiemployer plans, having highly specialized and experienced legal counsel is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. For organizations, unions, and trustees in the District of Columbia navigating the complexities of ERISA, pension plans, and health and welfare funds, Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered stands as a premier resource. This esteemed law firm has built a strong reputation for its deep expertise and dedicated service in these highly specialized areas of law, right here in the heart of Washington, DC.

Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered is a boutique law firm that has carved a significant niche by focusing extensively on representing multiemployer benefit funds. This includes defined benefit and defined contribution pension funds, health and welfare funds, and apprenticeship funds, among others. Their clients often include some of the country's leading and largest Taft-Hartley plans, collectively holding billions of dollars in assets, along with various employee benefit funds affiliated with major organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

The firm's longevity and focused practice demonstrate a profound understanding of the nuanced legal landscape governing employee benefits. They are well-versed in the intricate details of laws such as ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act), FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). This expertise allows them to provide comprehensive and precise advice, ensuring their clients' compliance and protection.

For trustees, plan administrators, and fiduciaries of employee benefit funds in Washington, DC, the complexities of regulatory compliance, investment oversight, and participant management can be overwhelming. Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered acts as a crucial partner, providing strategic guidance and proactive solutions to help these funds operate efficiently, remain compliant, and fulfill their obligations to participants and beneficiaries. Their proactive approach helps clients avoid potential pitfalls and ensures long-term stability and success for the funds they represent.

The attorneys at Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered are known for their commitment to excellence and their ability to tackle highly complex legal issues with clarity and precision. They are not merely legal advisors; they are strategic partners who help clients navigate the ever-evolving regulatory environment surrounding employee benefits. Their presence in Washington, DC, allows them to be at the forefront of policy changes and legislative developments, offering their clients timely and informed counsel. For any organization in the District managing multiemployer benefit funds, choosing a firm with such specialized knowledge and a proven track record is essential.

Location and Accessibility

Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered is strategically located at 900 7th St NW #1020, Washington, DC 20001, USA. This prime address places the firm in a highly accessible and central part of the District of Columbia, making it incredibly convenient for clients and collaborators alike.

The office's proximity to several major Metro stations is a significant advantage for public transit users. It is just a short walk from the Metro Center station, which serves the Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. This central hub connectivity ensures that clients from virtually any part of the city, and even those commuting from surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburbs, can reach the firm with ease. The Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station (Red, Green, and Yellow lines) is also within comfortable walking distance, providing additional access points.

For those traveling by bus, numerous Metrobus routes serve the 7th Street NW corridor, with stops conveniently located near the building. This extensive public transportation network minimizes the need for private vehicle use and associated parking challenges in downtown DC.

While public transportation is highly recommended, for clients who prefer to drive, there are multiple commercial parking garages in the vicinity of 7th Street NW. Although street parking is typically limited in this bustling urban area, the availability of nearby garages provides options for those arriving by car. The building itself is situated in a prominent commercial district, making it easy to locate and navigate for first-time visitors.

The location of Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered in the heart of Washington, DC, underscores its commitment to being an accessible and integral part of the city’s professional landscape. Being so centrally located allows the firm to engage readily with clients and to stay intimately connected to the legislative and regulatory pulse of the nation's capital, which is particularly beneficial given their specialization in employee benefits and labor law.

Services Offered

Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered specializes in a highly focused area of law, primarily serving multiemployer benefit funds and related entities. Their comprehensive legal services are designed to address the intricate regulatory and operational needs of these complex organizations. Based on available public information, their core services include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• ERISA Compliance and Advice: Providing extensive guidance on compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which governs most private-sector employee benefit plans. This includes advising on fiduciary duties, reporting requirements, prohibited transactions, and general plan administration to ensure adherence to federal law.
• Preparation and Amendment of Plan Documents: Assisting clients with the drafting, review, and amendment of essential plan documents, such as trust agreements, plan descriptions, and summary plan descriptions (SPDs). This ensures that plans are legally sound, up-to-date, and accurately reflect the terms and conditions of the benefits.
• Ensuring Continued Tax Qualification with the IRS: Guiding clients through the complex process of maintaining their plan's tax-qualified status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This is crucial for plans to receive favorable tax treatment and for participants to enjoy tax-deferred growth on their benefits.
• Investment Advisory and Other Service Provider Contracts: Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts with various service providers to benefit funds, including investment advisors, actuaries, third-party administrators (TPAs), and custodians. This ensures favorable terms and compliance with fiduciary responsibilities.
• Fiduciary Counsel: Advising trustees and fiduciaries on their legal responsibilities and obligations under ERISA and other relevant laws. This includes guidance on prudent investment practices, conflicts of interest, and managing plan assets solely in the interest of participants and beneficiaries.
• Delinquency Collection: Assisting multiemployer funds in collecting delinquent contributions from participating employers, a critical aspect of maintaining financial stability for the plans.
• Withdrawal Liability: Advising on and litigating matters related to withdrawal liability under multiemployer pension plans, helping to protect the financial integrity of the funds when employers cease contributing.
• HIPAA and PPACA Compliance: Providing guidance on compliance with health information privacy (HIPAA) and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) regulations as they pertain to health and welfare funds.
• Department of Labor (DOL) and IRS Audits/Investigations: Representing and assisting clients during audits or investigations conducted by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service.
• Benefit Claims and Appeals: Assisting in the handling of participant benefit claims and appeals processes, ensuring fair and lawful adjudication.

Features / Highlights

Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered stands out in the Washington, DC legal landscape through several distinctive features and highlights that underscore their specialized expertise and commitment to their clients:

• Deep Specialization in Multiemployer Benefit Funds: This is the firm's paramount highlight. Unlike general practice firms, Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered focuses almost exclusively on multiemployer benefit funds. This deep specialization means they possess an unparalleled understanding of the nuances, regulations, and challenges specific to these complex entities, making them highly effective advocates and advisors.
• Extensive Experience with Major Funds: The firm proudly counts among its clients some of the largest and most prominent Taft-Hartley plans in the country, including significant affiliations with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Working with such high-profile clients attests to their capability to manage substantial assets and intricate legal issues.
• Proven Expertise in ERISA and Related Regulations: The attorneys demonstrate profound knowledge of ERISA, USERRA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, PPACA, and other critical statutes governing employee benefits. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for ensuring regulatory compliance and effectively navigating the evolving legal landscape for their clients.
• Proactive and Strategic Counsel: Beyond simply reacting to legal challenges, the firm provides proactive and strategic advice. They assist clients in anticipating potential issues, mitigating risks, and structuring plans and operations to ensure long-term stability and compliance, rather than just solving problems after they arise.
• Highly Experienced Attorneys: The firm is staffed by attorneys with significant experience in the field, as evidenced by recognition from platforms like Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys and Super Lawyers®. These recognitions highlight a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, indicating a strong track record of success and expertise.
• Dedicated Client Service: While specializing in complex legal areas, the firm maintains a client-centric approach. They are committed to providing personalized attention and clear communication, ensuring that trustees, administrators, and fiduciaries are well-informed and confident in their legal strategies.
• Leadership in the Field: Through their work and public engagement (such as comments submitted to the Department of Labor on electronic disclosure), the firm demonstrates an active role in shaping and responding to important discussions within the employee benefits industry, showcasing their thought leadership and influence.

Promotions or Special Offers

In the realm of highly specialized legal services, particularly those catering to institutional clients like multiemployer benefit funds, the concept of "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer retail sense is not customary or typically applicable. Law firms like Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered focus on delivering unparalleled expertise and tailored solutions for complex legal and regulatory challenges, rather than offering discounted rates or limited-time deals.

Legal fees for specialized services such as ERISA compliance, plan administration, and fiduciary counsel are generally structured based on the complexity of the matter, the time and resources required, and the specific expertise of the attorneys involved. Therefore, there are no public promotions or special offers advertised by Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered in the traditional sense.

However, what potential clients, such as trustees or administrators of multiemployer funds, can expect and should inquire about when contacting the firm are standard professional practices that provide clarity and value:

• Initial Consultations: It is a common practice for specialized law firms to offer initial consultations. While these may or may not be free, they serve as a crucial opportunity for prospective clients to discuss their specific legal needs, understand the firm's approach, and determine if it's the right fit for their fund without a full financial commitment.
• Transparent Fee Structures: Reputable law firms will always provide clear and transparent information regarding their fee structures. Whether they operate on an hourly rate, retainer, or a project-based fee for specific tasks, a detailed understanding of costs will be provided upfront, allowing for proper budgeting and financial planning by the fund.
• Value-Driven Service: The core "offer" from a firm like Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered is the exceptional value derived from their deep specialization. Their expertise can help funds avoid costly compliance errors, resolve complex disputes efficiently, and ensure long-term financial health, thereby providing significant long-term value that far outweighs any perceived short-term "discount."

For precise information on their billing practices and how they can best serve the specific needs of your multiemployer benefit fund, it is always advisable to contact Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered directly. They will be able to provide the most accurate and relevant details for your inquiry.

Contact Information

To connect with Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered and inquire about their specialized legal services for multiemployer benefit funds, you can reach them through the following channels:

Address: 900 7th St NW #1020, Washington, DC 20001, USA

Phone: (202) 223-0888

Mobile Phone: +1 202-223-0888

Direct contact is recommended to discuss the specific needs of your organization and to determine how their expertise can best serve your multiemployer benefit fund.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For organizations, unions, and trustees in the District of Columbia managing multiemployer benefit funds, Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered is exceptionally well-suited as a legal partner. Their highly specialized focus and strategic positioning within the city make them an invaluable resource for navigating the complex world of employee benefits law.

Firstly, the firm's central location at 900 7th St NW in downtown Washington, DC, offers unparalleled accessibility for locals. Its immediate proximity to major Metro stations like Metro Center and Gallery Place-Chinatown ensures that clients from across the District, and even the broader metropolitan area, can reach their offices with ease via public transportation. This central location also positions the firm at the heart of legislative and regulatory activity, enabling them to stay abreast of the latest developments in employee benefits law directly impacting their clients.

Secondly, and most critically, their deep and almost exclusive specialization in multiemployer benefit funds is a significant advantage for the DC community. In a city that serves as a hub for national organizations, unions, and government, the need for precise and expert legal counsel regarding ERISA, pension plans, and health and welfare funds is paramount. Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered provides this highly specific expertise, ensuring that local funds can operate compliantly, efficiently, and effectively for the benefit of their participants.

The firm's reputation for experienced attorneys, including those recognized by Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys and Super Lawyers®, means that local clients are engaging with professionals who possess a high degree of knowledge and a proven track record. This level of expertise is essential for handling the intricate legal and financial matters associated with large-scale employee benefit plans, providing peace of mind to fund administrators and fiduciaries in the District.

Moreover, their proactive and strategic approach to legal counsel helps local funds avoid costly mistakes and remain ahead of regulatory changes. Rather than merely reacting to issues, Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered works to safeguard their clients' long-term stability and success, which is a vital service for any organization responsible for managing significant employee assets.

In essence, Potts-Dupre, Hawkins & Kramer, Chartered is not just a law firm in Washington, DC; it is a specialized partner deeply embedded in the local and national landscape of employee benefits law. For those in the District of Columbia who require sophisticated legal expertise to manage and protect multiemployer benefit funds, this firm offers an ideal combination of accessibility, specialized knowledge, and dedicated service, making them an indispensable resource for the community.