Newton is an officer of the firm, where he focuses his legal practice in the area of employee benefits. Newton's benefits practice goes back to 1974, when, as a new attorney, he was assigned the task of familiarizing himself with a new law known as ERISA. He has occasionally compared ERISA to bubblegum, which sticks to the bottom of your shoe.

Newton consults and advises clients about benefits matters. Although Newton's practice is technical, he helps his clients see the bigger picture in order to make wise decisions. He is involved in a wide range of issues, including qualified pension plans, ESOPs, executive compensation, rabbi trusts, cafeteria and flexible benefit plans, COBRA, pension investment policies, fiduciary responsibilities, benefits taxation, controlled groups, health benefits, disability benefits, governmental plans, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457 plans, and so-forth. Newton represents clients before the Department of Labor, the IRS, and the PBGC in audits and in connection with correction of errors with respect to employee plans. He also manages the firm's defined contribution prototype plan, which is available for adoption by clients of the firm.

Newton routinely works with the firm's commercial litigators in connection with ERISA or benefits-related litigation. Newton's expertise extends to tax-exempt entities, employment and corporate law.

Newton is heavily involved in community activities, and he has undertaken leadership with respect to brain injury and disability issues in New Hampshire. As a consequence of these involvements, Newton has a hands on familiarity with New Hampshire legislative and regulatory issues.

EDUCATION:

University of Kansas Law School, Juris Doctor (Order of the Coif), 1974
Harvard College, Bachelor of Arts, 1971

BAR ADMISSIONS:

New Hampshire