Anne M. Meyer, Partner at our Phoenix law office
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Anne M. Meyer

Partner
Biography

Anne Meyer’s practice is concentrated on employee benefits and executive compensation, including compliance with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). Anne has more than 20 years of experience in counseling private and public companies and nonprofit organizations on all aspects of employee benefits, including Section 401(k) and defined contribution plans, defined benefit and cash balance plans, equity compensation programs, and nonqualified and deferred compensation arrangements, including issues relating to Section 409A deferred compensation rules. Anne’s practice also includes advising clients on health and welfare arrangements, fringe benefit programs and employee benefit and executive compensation matters related to corporate mergers and acquisitions. She also routinely advises clients on ERISA fiduciary and prohibited transaction matters and represents clients before the IRS, DOL, and PBGC on matters related to employee benefits.

Anne is a contributor to Snell & Wilmer’s SW Benefits Blog, which offers analysis and commentary on employee benefits and executive compensation matters.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

  • Arizona


Court Admissions

  • Supreme Court of Arizona
  • United States District Court, District of Arizona


Education

  • University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., with distinction)
    • Writer and Symposium Editor, Journal of Transnational Law and Contemporary Problems
  • University of Iowa, Bordeaux Comparative Law Program (Arcachon, France)
  • Loras College (B.A., Business, Physical Education, maxima cum laude)
Experience

Awards & Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2019-2025)
    • Phoenix Lawyer of the Year, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2025)
  • AZ Business Leaders, AZ Business Leaders Magazine (2020, 2022)
  • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business®, Employment & Labor (2019); Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (2020-2024)
  • Southwest Super Lawyers®, Employee Benefits (2022, 2024)
    • Rising Stars Edition, Employee Benefits/ERISA (2012-2016)
  • Nolan Fellow, American Bar Association Section of Taxation (2009)

Representative Matters

  • Drafted equity plans for publicly traded energy and technology companies
  • Represented a variety of clients in the amendment, freezing, merger, partial termination and termination of retirement plans
  • Assisted clients in their correction of plan errors including preparing applications under the IRS’s and DOL’s correction programs and negotiating settlements under such programs
  • Advised both publicly held and privately held clients regarding employee benefits and executive compensation issues in mergers and acquisitions, acting as counsel to both buyers and sellers
  • Assisted public and private companies with correction of plan document and administrative errors relating to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Advised clients on negotiation and drafting employment and severance agreements with senior executives of publicly and privately held companies and non-profit organizations
  • Advised on administrative rules governing qualified tuition program under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Advised and trained clients on ERISA fiduciary duties and assisted ERISA fiduciaries with the review and negotiation of investment manager, investment adviser and consulting agreements
  • Drafted and reviewed policies and procedures related to qualified domestic relations orders for defined benefit and defined contribution plans and advised clients on issues related to the implementation and qualification of domestic relations orders

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • State Bar of Arizona
    • Tax Section
      • Chair (2020-2021)
      • Chair Elect (2019-2020)
      • Budget Officer (2017-2018)
      • Secretary (2016-2017)
      • Executive Council, Member at Large (2014-2016)
      • Seminar Chair, State Bar of Arizona Annual Convention (2013)
  • American Bar Association
    • Section of Taxation
      • Joint Counsel on Employee Benefits meeting with IRS and Treasury, Scrivener (2007-2018)
      • Employee Benefits Committee’s Distributions Subcommittee, Chair (2015-2018), Vice-Chair (2012-2015)
      • Employee Benefits Committee’s Defined Benefit Subcommittee, Young Lawyer Liaison (2007-2009)
  • Western Pension and Benefits Council, Phoenix Chapter
    • President (2013-2014)
    • Secretary (2008-2009)
    • Board Member (2007-2017)
  • TE/GE Council
    • Pacific Area Member (2015-Present)

Community Involvement

  • National Charity League (2022-Present)
  • Assistance League of Phoenix, Advisory Council
  • UMOM New Day Centers, Inc., Board of Directors (2012-2018)
  • Iowa Law School Foundation, Class Agent
  • Valley Leadership Institute, Class 33

Representative Presentations and Publications

Client News
Client News
Jan 17, 2023

Snell & Wilmer Advises Digital Enablement Solutions Provider AVI-SPL in Acquisition of Adtech

Client News
Jun 02, 2022

Snell & Wilmer Represents Home Owner Association Management Company RealManage in Strategic Partnership with American Securities