Stuart C. Harris
Partner
Stuart Harris starts by listening to identify the client’s goals and concerns, and then determines which rules apply. While some questions yield crisp, clear answers, the complex nature of employee benefits law often leads to gray areas and an analysis of competing risks. Stuart uses his 30 years of experience to break down the complexity into plain English, and guides clients to an informed decision and plan of attack for the associated action steps.
Stuart counsels clients on a wide range of employee benefits issues, including the design and administration of qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, executive incentive programs, and health insurance plans. Areas of particular expertise include 401(k) plans, ESOPs, and stock option plans, as well as group health and cafeteria plans. Stuart's work includes advice on the tax and ERISA implications (including COBRA rules) of all types of employee benefits programs, particularly in the context of larger business transactions.
Practice Highlights
Qualified retirement plans
Executive and incentive compensation
Group health insurance and other welfare benefits plans
Admitted to Practice
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Oregon, 1992
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Washington, 1986
Education
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J.D., Cornell Law School, 1986, cum laude
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B.A., English, Brigham Young University, 1983
Memberships & Affiliations
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- Western Pension and Benefits Conference
- Employee Benefits Committee, Taxation Section, American Bar Association
- Taxation Section, Oregon State Bar Association
Professional Recognition
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- Named as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers USA in Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Oregon), 2020-2024; Received "Band 1" ranking, 2020-2024
- Selected by Best Lawyers as Portland's "Lawyer of the Year" in Employee Benefits (ERISA), 2021
- Named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law by Best Lawyers, 2006-present
- Selected to "Oregon Super Lawyers," Thomson Reuters, 2006-2015
- Named one of "Portland's Best Lawyers" in Employee Benefits Law by Portland Monthly, 2006