Willis Towers Watson PLC Files Lawsuit Against Alliant, Alleging Employee Poaching

Posted on November 14th, 2023 at 2:45 PM

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

Willis Towers Watson PLC has filed a lawsuit against Alliant Insurance Services Inc. in a federal district court in Richmond, Virginia.

The lawsuit alleges that a recently retired Willis official, Douglas Pera, who formerly supervised seven employees, encouraged them to join him at Alliant.

The lawsuit claims that Mr. Pera and the other employees engaged in a "coordinated raid" on Willis' Glen Allen office and real estate practice. This effort began in August and concluded with the last two employees leaving on October 4. Many departing employees are bound by "narrowly tailored restrictive covenants" that prohibit them from soliciting or serving Willis clients. According to BusinessInsurance.com, the lawsuit further alleges that those departing employees have solicited business from several Willis clients.

The charges in the lawsuit against the former employees and Alliant include tortious interference with contract, breach of contract, violation of the Defend Trade Secrets Act, and breach of the duty of loyalty. Willis is seeking temporary, preliminary, and permanent injunctive relief to prevent the defendants from continuing to breach their restrictive covenants and soliciting business from Willis' clients.

 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.

Tags:

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

As a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, I feel fortunate to call Jim my attorney and friend. He is a fantastic lawyer and trusted advisor. He is skilled in the matters necessary to do the job well. He uses his thoughtful approach and calm demeanor to achieve a positive outcome for the client. If you want to feel confident that nothing will be missed and that you will be represented in a highly professional manner, call Jim Eccleston.

Bill C. and Dan M.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

June 6, 2025
FINRA Sanctions Former Broker for Unsuitable, High-Risk GWG Bond Sales

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended and fined a former advisor for what FINRA alleged were excessively risky investments that left clients exposed to significant losses.

June 5, 2025
UBS Seeks to Overturn $95 Million FINRA Award Over Tesla Shorting Strategy

UBS Wealth Management USA has filed a petition in federal court to vacate a nearly $95 million FINRA arbitration award, arguing the decision overstepped legal bounds and imposed punitive damages that defy Iowa law, as reported by AdvisorHub.

June 4, 2025
Jury Finds Cutter Financial Group Liable for Disclosure Failures in Annuity Sales

A federal jury in Massachusetts has found investment advisor Jeffrey Cutter and his firm, Cutter Financial Group, liable for failing to disclose significant commissions and conflicts of interest tied to an annuity replacement strategy sold to clients.