Jack Cleary, a partner in the firm’s ERISA/Employee Benefits Practice, specializes in all aspects of ERISA and employee benefits. He represents numerous employers in connection with their employee benefit requirements, including qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, welfare plans and executive compensation. Mr. Cleary has particular experience with respect to issues arising in connection with corporate and real estate transactions and under Title I of ERISA, including fiduciary, investment and prohibited transaction matters. In addition, Mr. Cleary has been extensively involved in establishing and operating numerous collective investment fund vehicles for institutional investors, including many VCOCs and REOCs, as well as in developing a variety of new investment practices and products.

Work for Clients

Mr. Cleary has extensive experience in dealing with the Department of Labor with respect to ERISA matters, including prohibited transaction exemptions as well as DOL audits and enforcement actions. In these aspects of his practice, Mr. Cleary has frequently represented trustees, investment managers and other fiduciaries concerning their fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA.

Professional Activities

Listed in the The Best Lawyers in America, Mr. Cleary is a member of the Employee Benefits Committee of the Tax Section of the American Bar Association, a past co-chair of the Employee Benefits Committee of the Boston Bar Association, a member of the Government Affairs Committee of the Pension Real Estate Association and a former director of the New England Employee Benefits Council and of Catholic Memorial High School. Mr. Cleary has also been selected for inclusion in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business.

Bar and Court Admissions

Mr. Cleary is admitted to practice in Massachusetts, and before the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts and the U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit.

Education

J.D., Harvard Law School, 1974 (magna cum laude)
M.Phil., Yale University, 1970
B.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1968