Pension Law

An employee’s monthly pension, calculated after a lifetime of service to a community, is one of the most important aspects of the employment relationship and understanding the laws that apply in different municipalities is crucial. There is no one standard set of rules that governs public employees or law enforcement employees. The eligibility requirements and benefits vary among the various types of municipalities. First class, second class, second class – A, and third-class cities each have their own set of rules. Townships and Boroughs follow a separate model depending on the number of full-time employees. County pensions vary depending on class and Commonwealth employees have a very different model. It is equally important to understand that all these public pensions are governed by one comprehensive statute governing funding and the rules by which these monthly retirement benefits may be adjusted through collective bargaining. Pension benefit modification has been the subject of substantial appellate litigation over the past several decades. We have had the pleasure of litigating these cases on behalf of our State, County and other municipal employees over the past five decades.