Carla N. McKain

Carla N. McKain

5.0
Rating: 8.2

Licensed for 36 years

Employee benefits Lawyer at Ithaca, NY
Practice Areas: Employee Benefits

215 E State St., #200, Ithaca, NY

About Carla

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Employee Benefits 100%

I am a QDRO attorney with expertise helping employees obtain benefits under retirement & health plans, and dividing retirement benefits on divorce using a QDRO.

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 285-315 per hour

Contingency

20%-33%


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in New York for 17 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2008

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 36 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 1989

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

McKain Law, PLLC

215 E State St., #200, Ithaca, NY, 14850-5665

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Carla N. McKain's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

5 Client Reviews

5 star (5)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Karen | January 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

New York DRO

Carla is the best lawyer I ever hired. Very competent, compassionate and fair. My prior attorney, who I had heard was one of the top (and now is a supreme court judge) screwed up the DRO I hired her draw. Carla was great at protecting my interests and got the job done RIGHT!

Posted by Jennifer | November 2, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

intelligence, Integrity and Perseverance

Carla won a Federal case for me regarding Health Insurance and a large settlement from my employer. First, my employer failed to meet Federal law regarding full disclosure of Health Insurance benefits. Carla realized this was in violation of The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974... (ERISA). " ERISA is a federal law that sets minimum standards for most voluntarily established pension and health plans in private industry to provide protection for individuals in these plans. " My employer was penalized by Federal court for failing to disclose all health benefits and I was awarded the penalty amount ( about $40,000. ) Second, because of her incredible knowledge of ERISA and her tireless efforts, my employer, who normally would not settle out of Court, settled and I was awarded over 6 figures. As important as her intelligence, Carla is personable and professional. Her integrity and willingness to go more than an extra mile to do what is right is second to none. I appreciate all of Carla's efforts, especially her understanding that I did not want what happened to me happen to other people. My hope is that my Federal case helps others. My settlement was hard fought and Carla helped me decide my options. Thank you Carla for your kindness and understanding in helping me through a very difficult time.

Posted by Rachel | April 2, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Very knowledgeable, QDRO specialist

Carla is very professional and highly knowledgeable in her field. I had no idea about how to move forward and what was involved in the qdro process. After being treated so poorly by my divorce lawyer Carla helped pick up the pieces and really fought hard for me. Due to the mishandlings of my first la...wyer and my complete ignorance of the law I was in a very bad position. Carla was able to stand strong and help fight for my rights. She stood by me through a very complicated process with ease and grace, every step of the way showing great patience and determination. I would highly recommend her especially if you have been treated unfairly in anyway.

Posted by anonymous | March 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Self employed

Helped secure a significant executive severance package after a separation from my employer

Posted by Sarah | August 30, 2012

One in a million attorney, highly recommend!

It is not often that you come across an attorney who is not only knowledgeable and proficient, but also remarkably personable and compassionate. Carla McKain really went above and beyond what I even imagined possible and has handled my case with great skill and professionalism. I highly recommend tha...t anyone and everyone retain her legal services should the need arise to hire a simply amazing attorney. You can feel confident in knowing that your case will receive the utmost care, expertise, and attention.

See All Client Reviews

Carla N. McKain's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Carla
Oliver Napoleon Blaise III headshot
Oliver Blaise

Employee benefits lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michelle Lee Roberts headshot
Michelle Roberts

Employee benefits lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Carla is very clearly a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney. I have followed her successes throughout the years and have talked to her about case strategy and legal issues. She is willing to go the distance for her clients and push the envelope. I highly recommend her if you have an employee benefits dispute and need a champion on your side!"

View All Endorsements
Oliver Napoleon Blaise III headshot
Oliver Blaise

Unknown lawyer

Michelle Lee Roberts headshot
Michelle Roberts

Employee benefits lawyer

Michael R. May headshot
Michael May

Estate planning lawyer

Robin Abrahamson Masson headshot
Robin Masson

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.2 (Excellent)

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Managing Member, McKain Law PLLC

2009 - 2013

Associate, Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP

2007 - 2009

Closing attorney, CFCU Community Credit Union

2002 - 2007

Development Staff, Center on Budget & Policy Priorities

1998 - 1999

Associate, Reish & Luftman, A.P.C.

1994 - 1997

Indexer, BNA Publications

1992 - 1993

Attorney, Women's Law Center

1991 - 1992

Associate, Slevin & Hart

Associations

2017 - Present

Tompkins County Bar Association

Vice President

2009 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

New York State Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

Women's Bar Association of the State of New York

Member

2016 - 2017

Tompkins County Bar Association

Director

2014 - 2015

Women's Bar Association of the State of New York, Finger Lakes Chapter

Vice President

Sample of Legal Cases

Grabowski vs. The Hartford Life Insurance Co.

Lower court denied benefits; case on appeal to the 4th Circuit.

Easter vs. CMC Prepaid Health Plan at Ithaca and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Participant's claims were remanded for violation of ERISA processes (this is a win), and employer paid penalties to participant for not producing plan documents when requested. Claims for mental health treatment were settled.

Biller vs. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

The court found the insurer's decision reasonable and benefits were not recovered.

Rood v. New York State Teamsters Pension and Retirement Fund

This case was 100% successful where the participant/client received full back benefits and no offsets going forward.

Brutvan vs. CIGNA

This case was 100% successful where the participant/client received full back benefits.

Schrom v. Guardian Life Ins. Co.

The participant's motion to compel answers to discovery requests was successful and defendant's request for discovery was denied.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

American University, Washington College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2012

Broome County Bar Association

ERISA

2011

Tompkins County Bar Association

ERISA

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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