Howard E. Kochell is a partner in the Indianapolis, Indiana office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. He is a trial lawyer within the Litigation Department, concentrating his practice in the area of commercial litigation. Mr. Kochell has extensive experience in representing employers and group insurers in employee benefit disputes governed by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). He is chairman of the Barnes & Thornburg ERISA Litigation Practice Group and has chaired the law firm's Construction Practice Group. He also represents manufacturers in commercial disputes involving dealership contracts, dealership terminations, franchises, leases, and matters involving the purchase or sale of goods. Mr. Kochell has litigated throughout the United States, in both state and federal courts. Aside from his substantial trial practice, he is a proponent of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and emphasizes pre-claim attention to such matters as liability insurance review, review of form contract language, and implementation or review of client document retention policies. Mr. Kochell attended Indiana University-Bloomington, where he graduated with highest distinction in accounting. He graduated cum laude from Indiana University School of Law in 1983. He joined Barnes & Thornburg in 1983 and became a partner in 1991. Publications 02/01/2009, ERISA News - February 2009 12/01/2005, ERISA News - December 2005 08/01/2005, ERISA News - August 2005 12/01/2004, ERISA News - December 2004 Events · The Interpretation, Administration & Litigation of Health and Welfare Benefit Plans |