For 40 years, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) has shaped which employee benefits employers offer to employees and how they offer them. Born from a simple concept, ERISA has been amended many times and has evolved into an increasingly complex system of rules and requirements for plans with concomitant requirements for employers and plan fiduciaries. ERISA is now the cornerstone of the US employee benefits system.

Practical Law's Article, ERISA at 40: The Evolution Of Employee Benefits explores ERISA's history, focusing on the major developments that have emerged over the years. It also includes thoughts from leading practitioners on the future of employee benefits law and practice.