Ms. Cushman's practice covers the broad spectrum of employee benefits and executive compensation law. She has experience in employee benefits, ERISA, tax, executive compensation and securities law as it applies to executive compensation. In addition, she devotes a portion of her practice to the creation and continuing representation of tax-exempt organizations with an emphasis on retirement and welfare benefits for tax-exempt employers. She also assists clients with general tax representation. Ms. Cushman is co-chair of the Firm's Employee Benefits Practice Group.
Areas Of Experience
Employee Benefits
In her employee benefits practice, Ms. Cushman has:
ˇ Counseled clients with respect to employee benefits, ERISA and tax (including IRC §§ 409A, 162(m), and 280G) executive compensation, and securities law issues.
ˇ Drafted and reviewed SEC filings (among others, proxies (including CD&As), prospectuses, 8-Ks and 11-Ks) board and shareholder resolutions, committee minutes, bylaws and charters.
ˇ Designed and assisted clients in administering executive compensation, equity incentive and nonqualified plans, including stock option, restricted stock, phantom stock and similar equity arrangements, other employee incentive plans and supplemental executive retirement plans.
ˇ Advised clients with respect to qualified plans (including pension, 401(k), profit sharing and ESPP plans), section 403(b) plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans (including section 457 plans), and cafeteria and health and welfare plan design and administration, including review of summary plan descriptions and design of plans for tax efficiency.
ˇ Advised clients regarding ERISA fiduciary issues related to the design and administration of retirement and health and welfare plans (including fiduciary audits).
ˇ Conducted due diligence and advised companies about employee benefit matters in mergers and acquisitions.
ˇ Drafted and submitted IRS filings and appeals and assisted with IRS audits.
ˇ Reviewed trust agreements, investment policy statements, investment manager agreements, and private equity agreements. Assisted clients with the termination of qualified plans.
ˇ Assisted clients with the termination of qualified plans.
ˇ Drafted IRA endorsements and disclosure statements.
ˇ Assisted clients with issues regarding FICA, FUTA and income tax withholding.
ˇ Assisted clients in obtaining tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization.
ˇ Assisted board members of a public charity with excess benefit transaction issues.
ˇ Counseled clients on the termination of private foundation status.
Community Activities
VITA low-income tax preparer volunteer
News
06/10/2010, Cushman and Hughes to Co-Chair the Employee Benefits Group
09/18/2008, Schnader Welcomes New Associates
Alerts
08/11/2010, IRS Announces Relief Program for Non-Filers
07/01/2010, IRS Advisory Committee Recommends Online Guide for Setting Executive Compensation
05/04/2010, Nonprofit Alert: New Tax Incentives for Hiring Unemployed Workers
04/19/2010, New Tax Credit Helps Small Nonprofits Provide Health Insurance Coverage
01/22/2010, 2010 IRS Employment Tax Audits to Include Exempt Organizations
01/14/2010, Congress Extends COBRA Subsidy
01/13/2010, IRS to Audit Governance Practices of Public Charities
11/18/2009, Pennsylvania State Budget: Changes to Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax and Corporate Net Income Tax for Fiscal Year 2009-2010
12/16/2008, IRS Delays Section 403(b) Written Plan Document Requirement