Friedrich

Intel Corporation and Intel Corporation Long Term Disability Benefit Plan (collectively “Intel”) appeal the district court’s judgment in favor' of plaintiff-appellee Joseph Friedrich, following a bench trial. The district court, concluded that Intel failed to comply with the Employee Retire-, ment Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) when it denied Friedrich’s claim for long term disability benefits. Intel argues, that the district court erred in reviewing Friedrich’s claim de novo and awarding Friedrich benefits and attorneys’ fees. We affirm ,the district court in all respects.

I. BACKGROUND

Intel maintains a short-term and long-term disability plan. The short-term plan, funded by employee contributions, provides up to fifty-two weeks of benefits for disabilities -caused by any physical- or mental illness, injury, or condition. Intel funds the long-term disability plan (“LTD Plan”) directly from its general corporate assets and serves as the named fiduciary and administrator of the plan. The LTD Plan gives Intel discretion to determine benefit eligibility and to construe plan terms. Maureen Shiells administered Intel’s LTD Plan in its risk management department which also…