Katherine "Kathy" Conklin

Katherine "Kathy" Conklin

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2005
Awarded Practice Areas
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Awarded Practice Areas
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Katherine "Kathy" Conklin
Katherine "Kathy" Conklin
New Orleans, LA
Works at
Kean Miller

64 Best Lawyers awards

Kean Miller logo

Biography

Katherine “Kathy” Conklin advises employers nationwide on employment law compliance and employee benefits matters.

In her employment law practice, Kathy counsels employers on compliance with ERISA, FMLA, FLSA, ADA, ADEA, and other workplace laws, from handbook design to termination considerations. Kathy enjoys developing solutions for clients who struggle with troubled employees, and frequently drafts severance agreements under the Older Workers Benefits Protection Act (OWBPA).

A board-certified specialist in tax and estate planning, Kathy draws on her depth of experience in the employee benefits arena to assist employers in designing retirement plans such as 401(k) plans and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), as well as health benefit plans that best suit employers’ needs. She also counsels on maintaining those plans’ compliance with applicable tax and labor laws such as ERISA, COBRA, and HIPAA, and when necessary, participating in governmental correction programs such as the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS) and the Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program (DFVCP). Kathy provides guidance on avoiding fiduciary liability and navigating the prohibited transaction limitations.

Kathy’s strong business background equips her to advise on complex employee benefits matters that arise during mergers and acquisitions. She also works extensively in the executive compensation field, designing and drafting incentive compensation plans and employment agreements, and reviewing arrangements for compliance with Section 409A of the U.S. Tax Code.

Works at
Kean Miller

64 Best Lawyers awards

Kean Miller logo

Locations

Education

  • Tulane University, JD, graduated 1983
  • Louisiana State University, BA, graduated 1980

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana, Louisiana Bar

Affiliations

  • American Bar Association - Member
  • Association of Employee Benefits Planners - Member
  • Louisiana State Bar Association - Member
  • The New Orleans Bar Association - Member
  • New Orleans Estate Planning Council - Member

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2019 - Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, New Orleans (2024)
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, New Orleans (2021)
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, New Orleans (2019)
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, New Orleans (2015)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Awards:
  • Martindale-Hubbell%u2122 AV Preeminent%AE Peer Review Rated Lawyer
  • Chambers USA Louisiana / Labor & Employment (Employee Benefits & Compensation)
  • Louisiana Super Lawyers (Employee Benefits/ERISA, Employment & Labor), 2008–2018
  • Louisiana Super Lawyers "Top 25: Women Louisiana Super Lawyers," 2012
  • "Top Lawyer: Employee Benefits Law, Trusts and Estates," New Orleans Magazine, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018
  • New Orleans CityBusiness "Ones to Watch" 2018
  • New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law, 2020

Additional Information

  • Court Admissions
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana

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