ERISA lawyer Dylan D. Rudolph has always strived for excellence.
Focusing on the litigation side of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) Law since beginning his career in 2009, Rudolph serves as the director for San Francisco firm Trucker Huss’ nationally recognized litigation practice group, where he has represented diverse employee benefit cases since 2016.
From consulting with plan sponsors and trustees to handling 401(k) class action suits, Rudolph understands the varying degrees of employment issues fiduciaries can present. Recognized in Ones to Watch since 2021 and in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2024 for Litigation – ERISA Law, Rudolph is currently honored as “Lawyer of the Year” for the same practice area in San Francisco for 2025.
“I love that ERISA litigation is constantly changing, and ERISA attorneys must be agile in defending our clients,” said Rudolph.
“These lawsuits involve retirement savings, access to health care and other things that impact peoples’ day-to-day lives. Each case is a little different and that creates challenges, but meeting those challenges is incredibly rewarding.
In addition to taking on ERISA-specific litigation, Rudolph also handles retirement plans, health and welfare plans, as well as investigations or actions brought on by the U.S. Department of Labor and Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Within that practice, we’ve had a number of great results, but I’m most proud of the work we are collectively doing as a whole,” said Rudolph.
“In ERISA Law specifically, keeping up with the shifting legal theories and continued changes in government regulation and guidance is challenging, but meeting those challenges head-on is also the most rewarding part of our practice area.”
“Our litigation team’s biggest accomplishment over the past year is in the breadth of the work that we’re doing. We’re handling several cases involving emerging legal theories in our industry and working hard to contribute to the current progression in pushing case law forward, favoring ERISA plan sponsors and fiduciaries.”
Rudolph doesn't limit sharing his expertise exclusively to the courtroom.
He also writes and publishes articles about the current state of litigation, focusing on “stock-drop” litigation, and the viability of statutory penalties claims against plan administrators.
“Where I wouldn’t call myself a ‘great attorney,’ I’m continually working as hard as I can to become one,” said Rudolph.
“There is always something new to learn, writing and oral advocacy can always be improved and case management can always get stronger and more efficient—and I look forward to working on those things throughout my career. I love this work and the process of trying to get better at it.”
