John E. Rich, Jr.

New Hampshire

McLane Middleton
900 Elm Street
10th Floor
Manchester, NH 03101

Tel: 603-628-1438

Email: john.rich@mclane.com
Web: www.mclane.com

Professional Biography

John advises clients regarding compliance with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, COBRA, HIPAA and other complex federal laws applicable to employee benefit plans.  John has extensive experience in helping clients assess and manage fiduciary liability and litigation risks associated with retirement and employee health and welfare plans.

John frequently represents clients before the IRS and United States Department of Labor in audits and investigations and represents clients in litigation involving employee benefit plans.  He provides advice to employers regarding all forms of executive compensation and health and welfare plans. John also advises executives concerning stock options, compensation issues and estate planning involving IRAs and retirement benefits.

John serves on the firm’s Management Committee and is also a member of the firm’s Education, Employment, and Family Law Practice Groups.

John received his J.D. from Boston University School of Law (1989) and his B.A. from Dartmouth College (1984).

Admissions

  • New Hampshire
  • Connecticut

Involvement

  • Clerk, Bow School Board
  • New Hampshire Bar Association (NHBA), former chairman of the Tax Section
  • Former member of the Board of Trustees of the New Hampshire Employee Benefits Council

Even prior to recent health care reform legislation, agencies such as the IRS and DOL increased the pace of regulatory guidance for health and other welfare plans. We provide our clients with timely advice taking into account the latest guidance affecting their welfare benefit arrangements.

The firm’s attorneys:

  • Draft plan documents and summary plan descriptions
  • Handle administrative appeals and benefit claim disputes
  • Litigate welfare benefit plan disputes
  • Advise on health care continuation under COBRA and state laws
  • Advise on HIPAA and other federal laws governing benefit plans

We regularly counsel our clients on the design, operation, and administration of various health and welfare plans, including:

  • Active employee health care plans
  • Retiree health plans
  • Disability plans
  • Life insurance plans
  • Flexible spending plans and other section 125 cafeteria plan arrangements
  • Health reimbursement accounts (HRAs)
  • Severance programs

Founded in New Hampshire in 1919, McLane Middleton has grown to be the largest and most diverse law firm in the state. In 2008, we expanded into Massachusetts to accommodate our clients’​ growing legal needs throughout New England. With 100 attorneys and more than 25 legal assistants, our progressive approach has enabled us to work with all types of clients in New England and beyond to deliver solutions that are customized and cost-effective.

Our firm’s organization, hiring practices, training, and use of technology provide us with the ability and capacity to provide the highest level of expertise in very specific areas of law. The most recent edition of The Best Lawyers in America® recognizes 57 of our attorneys. McLane Middleton is also recognized as one of America’s leading law firms in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Business Lawyers. McLane Middleton carries the highest legal ability rating in Martindale-Hubbell, with a number of our lawyers also individually recognized through that rating system.

“John Rich attracts praise for his handling of ERISA mandates and wider tax concerns. He advises on compliance with a range of regulatory statutes and legislation, as well as handling administrative proceedings and investigations concerning benefits plans.”
Chambers & Partners