LEE’S SUMMIT, MO (June 25, 2007) — A premier national employee benefits law firm headquartered in the Kansas City area — Haynes Benefits — welcomes two new principals, Thomas C. Graves and Robert A. West. Both attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in employee benefits and employment law, and join Haynes Benefits from Stinson Morrison Hecker.

“The addition of Tom and Bob solidifies our position as one of the leading law firms focused on simplifying the complex issues surrounding employee benefits,” said Andrew Ky Haynes. “These two attorneys have tremendous reputations in the industry and I could not be more pleased that they will be sharing their expertise with the clients of Haynes Benefits.”

With more than forty years of experience, Thomas Graves advises and assists plan sponsors regarding the establishment, operation and termination of executive compensation and employee benefit plans. A frequent speaker and author, Graves is a member of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel, the American Benefits Council, and numerous other national and local employee benefits organizations. Graves has been honored with many of the industry’s most coveted awards.

Robert West focuses on employee benefits, as well as employment and labor law. In addition to counseling clients on the intricacies of designing and interpreting various benefit plans, West has vast experience with union-related matters. West conducts seminars and workshops, and has authored various employee benefits and employment law articles for trade journals. West recently received recognition for his representation of the Retired Pilots Committee in the Delta Air Lines bankruptcy case.


About Haynes Benefits

Haynes Benefits is a premier national employee benefits law firm headquartered in the Heartland. The firm has extensive experience educating and counseling employers, insurers and third party administrators on the intricacies of employee benefits legislation and regulations.

Haynes Benefits serves corporate clients, as well as educational, governmental and non-profit entities nationwide. Experienced attorneys counsel clients on plan establishment and documentation, tax qualification, administration, fiduciary responsibility, reporting and disclosure, regulatory and compliance issues, claims disputes and litigation. Attorneys at Haynes Benefits are well-versed in risk management, ERISA, HIPAA, health plan design, COBRA, cafeteria plans, fringe benefits, consumer-driven health care plans and VEBAs.

For additional information, visit www.haynesbenefits.com