X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Argued: November 21, 2001

Appeal from a grant of summary judgment dismissing claims by pension benefit recipients as not actionable under the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C. � 1001, et seq., and cross appeal from denial of defendant’s motion for attorney’s fees, by the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York (Howard G. Munson, Senior Judge). We hold that the Amended Complaint failed to state a claim for breach of fiduciary duty under ERISA because the conduct of which plaintiffs complain occurred prior to the effective date of that statute or was an “inexorable consequence” of that conduct. Moreover, plaintiffs could not institute a civil action for review of their benefits denial because plaintiffs were not “participants” in the pension plan under whose terms they seek benefits.

Additionally, remand to the district court for consideration of plaintiffs’ “pendent” state law claims is not warranted, given that no federal claims remain. We further hold that denial of defendant’s motion for attorney’s fees under ERISA’s “fee shifting” provision was appropriate because ERISA was found inapplicable to plaintiffs’ claims. We therefore affirm.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
July 22, 2024 - July 24, 2024
Lake Tahoe, CA

GlobeSt. Women of Influence Conference celebrates the women who drive the commercial real estate industry forward.


Learn More
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More

Description: Fox Rothschild LLP has an opening in the Los Angeles, CA office for an associate in our Labor & Employment Department. The ...


Apply Now ›

Blume Forte Fried Zerres and Molinari 1 Main Street Chatham, NJ 07945Prominent Morris County Law Firm with a state-wide personal injury prac...


Apply Now ›

Reports to: Executive Director FLSA Status: Exempt, Full Time Supervisory Responsibility: N/A Location: Remote Compensation Range: $21...


Apply Now ›
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/14/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›