Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2005 
Katherine “Kathy” Conklin is an attorney with Kean Miller who advises businesses and individuals on employee benefits, tax, estate planning, and employment law matters. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, she works with clients across the United States, with a significant focus on Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and the complex regulatory requirements affecting employer-sponsored benefit programs.
Kathy is Board Certified in Tax Law and Estate Planning by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. She assists employers with the design, implementation, and administration of retirement plans and health and welfare benefit plans, including 401(k) plans and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Her work frequently involves helping organizations navigate ERISA compliance and related federal regulations governing employee benefit programs.
Her employee benefits practice includes advising employers and plan fiduciaries on compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other federal requirements. Kathy also represents clients in government correction and compliance programs, including the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS) and the Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program (DFVCP). She counsels plan sponsors and fiduciaries on governance matters, prohibited transaction rules, and steps that may reduce potential fiduciary risk.
Kathy regularly advises businesses on employee benefits and executive compensation issues that arise during mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions. She assists with the drafting and review of incentive compensation arrangements, employment agreements, and deferred compensation structures, including compliance considerations under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
In addition to her employee benefits and ERISA work, Kathy represents individuals, families, and business owners in estate planning and succession matters. She prepares wills, trusts, and powers of attorney and assists with estate administration and probate proceedings. Her practice includes federal estate and income tax planning, estate freeze strategies, and business succession planning designed to support long-term family and business continuity.
Kathy also counsels employers on compliance with workplace laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). She assists with employment policies, handbook development, termination considerations, and severance agreements, including compliance with the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act.
Additionally, Kathy advises religious organizations and employers on immigration matters involving the sponsorship and hiring of religious workers from outside the United States.
