Mayer Brown bolsters its renowned ERISA Litigation practice with the return of Rick Nowak in Chicago

Rick is the fourth recent hire to rejoin the firm’s Chicago office since March 2025

CHICAGO – Mayer Brown announced today that Rick Nowak has rejoined the firm as a partner in its Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice in Chicago. Rick, an experienced trial lawyer and nationally recognized Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) litigator and former Co-Chair of the ERISA Litigation practice, returns to Mayer Brown from Fidelity Investments. At Fidelity, Rick led a team of lawyers responsible for the firm’s retirement and health plan litigation, regulatory enforcement matters, and participant and beneficiary disputes.   

“We are thrilled to welcome Rick back to Mayer Brown,” said Michael Olsen, leader of Mayer Brown’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice. “Rick’s deep industry knowledge, proven leadership, and extensive experience in the field of ERISA litigation will further strengthen our position as a global powerhouse in employee benefits litigation. His return is a key part of our strategic plan to expand our capabilities in Chicago and nationwide, and to ensure the continued growth and succession of our ERISA practice.”

Rick is a key addition to the firm’s renowned ERISA Litigation practice, as he brings a wealth of experience representing plan sponsors, plan administrators, fiduciaries and trustees, and third-party service providers, including recordkeepers and investment advisors, in high-stakes class actions and other complex litigation and enforcement matters. His practice spans all types of benefit plans, including defined contribution, defined benefit, health and welfare, top hat, and other non-qualified plans. In addition, Rick has substantial experience advising clients with respect to their plan investments, service providers arrangements, and other financial offerings, including alternative investments, digital assets, and cryptocurrencies. 

“I am honored and excited to return to Mayer Brown and rejoin a team that is at the forefront of ERISA litigation and unrivaled in its experience and success defending the most complex ERISA disputes,” said Rick. “The firm’s deep bench, including its trial and appellate expertise, collaborative culture, and commitment to client service create an unmatched environment for delivering innovative and practical solutions to clients facing complex legal and regulatory challenges. I look forward to helping Mayer Brown’s clients navigate the ever-evolving litigation and regulatory landscape by leveraging my experience at Fidelity Investments, where we strove each day to help our plan sponsor clients provide dynamic benefit programs to their employees. I also look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of Mayer Brown’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice.” 

“We are delighted to welcome Rick back to Mayer Brown and to our Chicago office,” said Joanna Horsnail, managing partner of Mayer Brown’s Chicago office. “Rick’s exceptional track record, industry relationships, and reputation and leadership in the ERISA litigation and broader benefits community will be invaluable as we continue to expand our capabilities and serve the needs of our clients. His return reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in top-tier talent and maintaining our position as a leader in employee benefits litigation both in Chicago and across the country.”

Rick is the fourth partner to rejoin the firm's Chicago office since March 2025, following the recent returns of Avi Kupfer, Veronica Glick, and Lei Shen.

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