Gail Sargent
Associate
Jo Nell Cass
713.223.2300 x2463
The primary emphasis of Gail Sargent's practice is assisting clients in the implementation of the medical privacy and security regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Ms. Sargent develops HIPAA compliance programs, including initial compliance assessments, gap analyses, workforce training, preparation and negotiation of business associate contracts and the implementation of privacy and security procedures at the client's workplace.
Ms. Sargent designs and drafts wellness programs that are in compliance with the numerous federal and state legal requirements applicable to such programs, and assists employers in the integration of wellness programs into existing company benefits structures.
Ms. Sargent also advises clients on the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), employee benefits law, the administration of their employee benefit plans, and compliance with the requirements under federal tax and labor laws and ERISA legislation. Ms. Sargent designs, drafts and implements qualified and nonqualified employee pension plans, including 401(k) plans, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), pension plans, deferred compensation plans and stock option plans. She has experience in drafting, implementing and handling ongoing administrative issues relating to welfare benefit plans, such as group health and dental plans, dependent-care reimbursement plans, health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and cafeteria plans.
Ms. Sargent frequently represents clients on tax matters before the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor with respect to their benefit plans.
Education
LL.M., Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, 1995
J.D., cum laude, Tulane Law School, 1994
B.A., summa cum laude, University of Tulsa, 1990
Bar Admissions
Louisiana
California
Texas
Affiliations
Houston Bar Association
Houston Young Lawyers Association
Association of Women Attorneys
Downtown Houston Association