José Martin Jara is is a highly accomplished attorney and executive with over 20 years of expertise at the crossroads of employee benefits law, employment law, insurance risk management, and fiduciary governance. Renowned as a trusted advisor to corporations, boards of trustees, plan fiduciaries, and nonprofit organizations, José combines deep technical knowledge with strategic vision and collaborative leadership to deliver impactful solutions.

José specializes in employment and ERISA litigation, bringing a proven track record of success in high-stakes cases, DOL investigations, fiduciary liability assessments, and legislative counseling. Renowned in the industry, he is trusted by a diverse client base that includes CEOs, CFOs, corporate boards, and both private and public entities. His expertise spans the full spectrum of ERISA law—from fee benchmarking and cybersecurity guidance to voluntary fiduciary correction applications—helping clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes with confidence.

Throughout his career, José has held leadership roles at top-tier firms, where he led litigation teams, conducted internal investigations, and provided strategic counsel on emerging legislation. His notable achievements include landmark victories such as reducing multimillion-dollar claims in class action lawsuits, securing “No Action” letters from the DOL, and winning complex ERISA breach of fiduciary duty trials.

José is a distinguished legal expert and a dedicated leader in the nonprofit sector. As Past President of the Board of Rising Ground, he spearheaded the successful merger of two major nonprofit organizations, transforming governance structures and expanding services to positively impact over 25,000 lives each year. He currently serves as Vice President of Rising Ground’s Board, continuing to drive strategic initiatives and organizational growth.

Additionally, José served as President of The Center for Family Support, a $50 million nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in New York and New Jersey. His strategic vision and ability to guide boards through periods of change and expansion have established him as a trusted leader in nonprofit governance.

A sought-after speaker and published author, José has presented nationally for Strafford, the American Bar Association (ABA), and the ACI ERISA Litigation conference, among others. His writing has appeared in Bloomberg Law, Bloomberg Tax, LexisNexis, and ABA publications, covering topics such as fiduciary responsibility, fee litigation, plan audits, and ERISA’s statute of limitations. His thought leadership extends to engaging with professional legal associations such as the ABA’s Employee Plan and Executive Compensation Group, where he serves as Group Chair.

José holds an LL.M. and Employee Benefits Law Certificate from Georgetown University Law Center, a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and a B.S. in Managerial Science from Manhattan College. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

A problem solver by nature, José thrives on helping organizations understand risk, navigate regulatory landscapes, and build sustainable strategies. Whether advising a board on fiduciary obligations, leading a merger between mission-driven nonprofits, or crafting legal solutions under intense regulatory scrutiny, José Jara delivers with integrity, clarity, and impact. His passion for excellence, combined with a genuine commitment to service, makes him a valuable asset to any boardroom or executive team.

Character: José Jara demonstrates unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to service, consistently guiding organizations with ethical leadership and sound judgment.

Knowledge: With over 20 years of legal expertise in ERISA, fiduciary law, employee benefits and employment law, José is a nationally recognized authority trusted by corporate and nonprofit leaders alike.

Strategic: He brings a sharp strategic mindset, successfully navigating complex mergers, regulatory challenges, and litigation to drive growth and long-term organizational success.

Communication: José is an articulate communicator and thought leader, known for distilling complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for boards, executives, and stakeholders.