Edward I. Leeds is counsel in the Employee Benefits/Executive Compensation, Health Law, and Privacy and Data Security Practice Groups of Ballard Spahr, where he concentrates on issues relating to the design, administration, and taxation of health and other welfare benefit plans. His practice has evolved with the laws and market forces that shape those plans. He advises clients about compliance with the Affordable Care Act, HIPAA, HITECH, COBRA, cafeteria plan rules, and other legal requirements. He assists clients in evaluating and implementing measures to meet HIPAA's privacy and security requirements. He advises them with regard to wellness initiatives and assists them in meeting reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act and ERISA. In response to recent events, he has been advising clients about their fiduciary responsibilities with regard to their health and welfare benefit plans and ongoing issues that arise under the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
Ed represents employers in the negotiation and drafting of contracts with insurers, third-party administrators, and other vendors. He drafts plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and other communications. His experience includes helping clients implement a wide range of health benefit offerings, including Medicare Advantage Programs, EGWPs, on-site clinics, and integrated health reimbursement arrangements.
Ed also serves as the firm's HIPAA Privacy Counsel.
Professional Highlights
Recognition & Accomplishments
The Legal 500 US, Labor and Employment - Employee benefits, executive compensation, and retirement plans - design, 2019-2024
Chambers USA, labor and employment: employee benefits and compensation law, 2008-2024
The Best Lawyers in America, employee benefits (ERISA) law, 2009-2025; "Lawyer of the Year," Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (Philadelphia), 2015 and 2025
JD Supra Readers' Choice Award, Top Author in Insurance, 2024
Inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel, 2019
Speaking Engagements
Ed lectures frequently on health and welfare benefits topics. He has conducted one- and two-day seminars on health and welfare plans for lawyers and benefits professionals and written articles on various subjects. His recent lectures include:
Presenter, "What is Left of the Affordable Care Act?" PBI Health Law Institute, March 16, 2021
Presenter, "HIPAA’s Impact on Newsgathering During COVID-19," Ballard Spahr webinar, April 20, 2020
Panelist, "Ask the Experts, "Joint Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health,"' Ballard Spahr webinar, April 16, 2020
Publications
Ed is a frequent contributor to CyberAdviser, a blog focused on the latest news and developments in privacy and cybersecurity law.
Co-author, "Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements," PLI Health Law Institute, March 2020
Co-author, "What's Good for GM…? An Examination of Direct Contracting Between Employers and Health Care Providers," Pennsylvania Bar Institute's 24th Annual Health Law Institute Manual, March 2019
Credentials
Education
Harvard Law School (J.D. 1984, cum laude)
Haverford College (B.A. 1980)
Languages
French
Admissions
Pennsylvania