Mr. Hurst is a partner in the firm and has practiced in the Employee Benefits Practice Group for over 25 years.  Mr. Hurst is currently co-head of the Employee Benefits Practice Group. Mr. Hurst's practice includes extensive experience in the design, implementation and administration of tax-qualified retirement plans (including defined benefit pension plans, profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans and ESOPs), nonqualified deferred compensation plans and health and welfare plans for financial institutions, regular business organizations, professional corporations, governmental and non-profit organizations.  He assists both plan sponsors and fiduciaries with regulatory compliance with both ERISA and HIPAA and also with state and federal tax issues and local legislation which afects retirement and welfare plans. In addition, he acts as counsel to plan sponsors and fiduciaries with respect to ERISA controversies and litigation.