MINNEAPOLIS
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:50 PM | Check-In: 8:30 AM
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall # 370
3rd Floor, City Center
Minneapolis, MN 55402
The open, discussion-based breakout sessions make this Workshop a unique learning experience. We look forward to thoughtful and insightful comments from national and Minnesota experts. There will be morning and afternoon plenary sessions, and we’re continuing with our traditional small-group breakout sessions. Don’t miss your chance to gather with your colleagues and attend this annual tradition in person!
Areas of focus include:
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
Welcome & Introduction
– Allison A. Itami
9:05 – 10:05 a.m.
The Benefits Agenda: What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond
The expert policy staff of the ERISA Industry Committee provide insight on legislative issues, federal regulatory activity and recent developments affecting the benefits sector. Topics include paid leave, telehealth, state PBM regulations and ERISA pre-emption, Secure Choice, and more.
– Dillon Clair & Christina Strogis
10:05 – 11:05 a.m.
The 2025–2026 Litigation Update
Experienced attorneys will review recent case law developments from plaintiff and defense counsel perspectives, including how recent cases and trends shape litigation thinking and strategies. This will include a discussion of new Supreme Court cases and other trends in pension and healthcare disputes.
– Andrew J. Holly, Katherine L. MacKinnon & Kirsten E. Schubert
11:05 – 11:15 a.m.
BREAK
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION A
101
Let’s Work it Out – An Interactive Workshop on Hot Topics Impacting Employee Benefits
Join this session, led by experienced attorneys, to discuss the issues and solutions to a variety of hot topics affecting your clients, including ICHRAs as a response to Affordable Care Act cuts, fertility benefits focus from the Executive Order and tri-agency FAQs, Private Equity in 401(k)s, corporate security, Trump accounts, gender affirming care and more.
– Darcy L. Hitesman & Megan E. Hladilek
102
What Employee Benefit Attorneys Need to Know About Minnesota Paid Leave Law
The ever-changing employee benefits landscape has become more complex with Minnesota’s new paid leave law. Attend this session for a practical overview of key paid leave issues.
– Caitlin R. Gehlen
12:15 – 12:30 p.m.
LUNCH (provided to all attendees)
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
LUNCH PRESENTATION
IRS Updates, Initiatives and Hot Topics Involving Retirement and Health and Welfare Benefits
Hear recent changes and developments.
– Christina Cerasale & Laura B. Warshawsky
1:30 – 1:40 p.m.
BREAK
1:40 – 2:40 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION B
201
Anatomy of an Employee Benefit Plan Vendor Agreement: The 2026 Legal Landscape
This session reviews best practices for plan sponsors when drafting and reviewing benefit plan vendor agreements, with a sharp focus on the critical legal and regulatory challenges anticipated in 2026. It includes a discussion of cybersecurity and data privacy (including vendor breach responsibilities and audit rights), evolving issues around ERISA fiduciary status and enhanced fee disclosure requirements and more.
– Allison A. Itami & Monica A. Kelley
202
Advising Clients About Executive Compensation in 2026
This discussion-based session will explore profit interest plans and other emerging issues in the dynamic landscape of executive compensation. Gain actionable strategies for designing compliant and shareholder-aligned executive compensation packages, planning for transitions, and more.
– Audrey A. Fenske & Thomas B. Henke
2:40 – 2:50 p.m.
BREAK
2:50 – 3:50 p.m.
The Fiduciary Exception To Attorney-Client Privilege: Ethical and Practical Considerations for Employee Benefits Attorneys
1.0 ethics credit applied for
This session will explore the ethical dilemmas and practical challenges that employee benefits practitioners face regarding the fiduciary exception to attorney-client privilege.
– Aram V. Desteian, Eleanor E. Frisch & Stephen P. Lucke
3:50 – 4:15 p.m.
WORKSHOP RECEPTION
Gather with your colleagues and friends for cheer, camaraderie and connection!
LIVE IN-PERSON
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
There will be no replay.
$345 MSBA members / $345 paralegals / $395 standard rate
Other discounts that may apply:
Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.
Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 6.0 CLE credits, including 1.0 ethics credit. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.
Minnesota CLE also has applied to the Minnesota State Bar Association for 6.0 labor and employment law specialist credits.
