Robert B. Stevenson
Bob Stevenson began to specialize in benefits law in 1976, working with his mentor Elliott Phillips. Elliott had done “pre-ERISA” benefits work since the 1950’s. Together, they “ERISAfied” plans, handled ERISA litigation, learned the new law and became close friends. In 1987 Bob and intrepid legal assistant Linda Knowles founded what is now Stevenson Keppelman Associates, one of the nation’s first “ERISA boutiques.” The firm has grown by the periodic addition of well-experienced benefits practitioners, now numbering eight attorneys and two legal assistants (one of whom is Ms. Knowles.)
Bob is a charter fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel, which he refers to as “sort of our Cooperstown, but with fewer statistics.” Bob has been named, by peer review, to every edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Based on client and peer review, Chambers USA included Bob and Nancy Keppelman among only four Michigan Lawyers gaining the highest ranking in benefits law. Bob was named among the top 100 Lawyers in Michigan by another peer and client ranking. Says Bob: “fooled ‘em all.”
Bob was the Michigan State University Women’s Lacrosse Coach. He still plays lacrosse (the men’s game), as well as tennis, and is an avid skier (both alpine and telemark, but no snowboarding!)
In Bob’s words: I am attracted by some common features of benefits law, sports, and coaching. You strive for perfection. You must have solid fundamentals, take things to yet a higher level, and constantly improve. You must be nimble athletically or intellectually. Stamina is a given, whether in pressure-packed nights working on M&A deadlines or playing back-to-back lacrosse games. When you’re knocked down, you get up and keep going. Whining is a waste of time. You must lead by example, and never ask anyone to do what you aren’t already doing yourself. You’re either “in” and giving 100%, or you’re “out.”
I have always favored team sports over individual sports. “Team” is a special attraction of both coaching and of our firm. At SKA, I get great satisfaction in quickly answering a client’s question by doing some of the work myself, and then involving just the right person on the right issues at the right time. SKA is one of the best teams I’ve been on. We all have a broad knowledge of benefits law, from DB pensions, DC plans, nonqualified, welfare, etc. Then each of us has special talents. It’s like a nice drive & dish when a client asks about a cash balance plan freeze and merger, and a couple of us quickly combine on how to protect the accrued benefit, handle discrimination testing, and explain the freeze in a 204(h) notice. It’s satisfying to look back on a pretty assisted goal, or on a well-written pension funding clause in an M&A agreement that survives post-closing attack by the “other side.”
Ultimately, I find beauty, intricacy and challenge in both lacrosse and benefits law. To me, they are both great team sports. And in both coaching and the practice of law, you must strive to satisfy a deserving, demanding and competitive constituency, whether it’s your team, fans, or clients. I like people and trying to meet their needs.
To contact Bob directly, please email him at: bob@skalaw.com