Greenberg Traurig Expands Benefits and Compensation Expertise with New Additions

Greenberg Traurig Expands Benefits and Compensation Practice

Greenberg Traurig, LLP, a prominent global law firm, has recently broadened its Benefits and Compensation Practice by welcoming two seasoned professionals, Katherine "Kate" Saracene and Lisa Christensen. Saracene joins as a shareholder in the New York office, while Christensen serves as Of Counsel in the Dallas office, both transitioning from Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP.

Expertise and Background

Katherine Saracene brings over a decade of knowledge in employment, tax, and employee benefits, specializing primarily in health and welfare benefit plans. Her extensive experience includes advising a range of clients including employers, insurers, and healthcare providers. Notably, Saracene has a rich history as a human resources and employee relations professional at Xerox, where she developed expertise in designing and managing various employee benefits programs.

Her practice covers intricate issues surrounding self-funded health plans, on-site medical clinics, and collectively bargained benefit programs, among others. Saracene's deep understanding of compliance challenges interwoven with labor laws and relevant regulations positions her as a valuable asset to her clients navigating today’s complex regulatory landscape.

In addition, Lisa Christensen offers a wealth of knowledge in employee benefits and executive compensation compliance, serving a diverse clientele from small businesses to Fortune 100 corporations. She has a keen ability to dissect and clarify complex tax and benefits concepts, enabling clients to build robust plans and compliance programs. Her specialized background in Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) matters positions her as a trusted advisor for many healthcare clients.

Strategic Growth and Client Focus

Brian L. Duffy, the CEO of Greenberg Traurig, expressed excitement about the firm's growth, highlighting that Saracene's skills align perfectly with the pressing needs of organizations in today’s evolving workplace. He noted that her background reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its services in crucial areas of employee benefits and workforce compliance matters. The combined expertise of Saracene and Christensen is expected to strengthen the firm's multidisciplinary approach, enhancing client support across various workforce-related issues.

Magan Pritam Ray and Mindy B. Leathe, co-chairs of the Global Benefits & Compensation Practice, echoed similar sentiments, praising Saracene's reputation in health and welfare plan matters. According to the co-chairs, Saracene's in-house experience provides her a unique perspective, critical for devising practical solutions to the operational challenges faced by employers.

Saracene herself mentioned that the opportunity at Greenberg Traurig allows her and Christensen to collaborate more effectively in a well-established practice that caters to a variety of benefits and workforce matters. With both professionals having worked together for over a decade, their synergy is anticipated to bolster the firm’s capabilities further.

About Greenberg Traurig

Greenberg Traurig has established itself as a leader in providing innovative and strategic legal services across diverse industries and geographical boundaries. With a workforce exceeding 3,100 attorneys across 51 locations worldwide, the firm is well-placed to deliver robust legal solutions tailored to client needs amidst the evolving landscape of employee benefits and compensation.

Recognized for its commitment to relationship management and trust, Greenberg Traurig continues to be a top choice among firms, consistently ranking on prestigious lists such as the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Notably, the firm’s focus on philanthropy and pro bono efforts sets it apart in the legal community.

For more information about the firm and its services, visit Greenberg Traurig's official website.