An ERISA litigation trend has emerged that would have been unthinkable a few years ago: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is intervening in court and taking the employer’s side. This trend reflects a deliberate policy shift that matters for every plan sponsor and fiduciary in an environment where “regulation by litigation” has become a default strategy for plaintiffs’ lawyers.

This summary addresses recent legal developments regarding the use of forfeitures by 401(k) plans and related compliance issues raised under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA).

The Supreme Court has granted certiorari in Hain Celestial Group, Inc. v. Palmquist to determine whether a final order issued by a federal court may stand if an appellate court later determines the district court erred in dismissing a nondiverse defendant and denying a motion to remand.