Foster Rich v. Ralph Shrader

OPINION

BLOCK, District Judge:

Foster Rich appeals the district court’s dismissal of his breach-of-contract and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) claims against Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. (“BAH”), Ralph Shrader, and Joseph Garner, and its denial of his motion for leave to amend the complaint. We affirm and write principally to address the proper standard for evaluating what qualifies as an employee pension benefit plan under ERISA.

I

Rich began working for BAH in 1987. On September 4, 2003, Rich’s performance was evaluated by BAH. Ultimately, Rich’s evaluation resulted in a…