Legal Fees and Awards Detailed
Brookins is seeking one-third of the settlement, or roughly $240,000, to cover attorney fees, as well as a $5,000 service award for his role in representing the class.
If approved, the settlement will close a case that reflects a broader wave of ERISA lawsuits targeting major universities over retirement plan mismanagement, excessive recordkeeping fees, and underperforming funds.
Broader Implications for University Retirement Oversight
The northeastern university 401(k) Fee Suit underscores growing scrutiny over how higher education institutions manage employee benefits. Similar cases have emerged nationwide, with courts increasingly pushing universities to ensure that retirement plans operate with transparency, competitive fees, and fiduciary care.
For Northeastern, the $725,000 settlement represents more than a financial resolution — it’s a reminder of the heightened legal and ethical expectations placed on institutions entrusted with their employees’ financial futures.
