Allie Itami

When asked about her personal philosophy, Allison "Allie" Itami said, "It is imperative to focus on the end goal for the work I do with clients. When this is at the forefront, the structure necessary to achieve the client's objectives will quickly become clear."

Allie Itami is a partner in Lathrop GPM's Business Transactions practice group, specializing in employee benefits and is known for providing comprehensive counsel on fiduciary compliance under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. With a profound understanding of state regulations impacting public employee benefits, Allie collaborates with many clients including insurance companies, banks, broker-dealers, registered investment advisors (RIA) and technology providers, to develop innovative retirement and health products.

Also, a trusted advisor on data privacy and cybersecurity issues, Allie advises clients crucially on how to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. She extends her advocacy to impact proposed regulations and secure exemptions crucial for fiduciary investment advice and welfare benefit insurance arrangements.

Allie's commitment to client success has included:

• Advocacy before the Department of Labor on investigations, audits and regulatory matters.
• Counsel in data privacy and cybersecurity provisions impacting benefit plans.
• Legal due diligence for selecting service providers and investment options.
• Strategic guidance on corporate transactions affecting benefit programs such as mergers and acquisitions, and bankruptcy proceedings.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

• Advising broker-dealers and registered investment advisers on compliant IRA investment advice to retail customers.
• Assisting a utility plan sponsor in managing a company stock fund through a significant bankruptcy reorganization.
• Counseling start-ups on the application of retirement laws to unconventional assets like cryptocurrency.
• Guiding a broker-dealer in launching IRA services, resulting in the expansion of business offerings.
• Securing Department of Labor approval for a captive reinsurance transaction.
• Serving as general counsel to a fully funded governmental pension plan, ensuring robust compliance and operational efficiency.

Allie also advises employers and service providers on federal laws governing employee benefit programs, focused on the intersection of retirement assets with cybersecurity and digital assets.

With a proven track record of delivering strategic, compliance-focused counsel, Allie is a trusted advisor for clients seeking sophisticated solutions to complex regulatory challenges in employee benefit programs.

WHEN ASKED …

Why did you become a lawyer?

I chose to become a lawyer because I find it fulfilling. I value the process of applying technical regulations to real-life situations, finding solutions that benefit both individuals and companies. Additionally, law runs in my family, which further inspired my career path.

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of work, I spend time with my family. I also enjoy working in the vegetable garden, woodworking, and building complex, three-dimensional puzzles.