In recent conversations, the question has come up as to whether you call rollover your 401k to a traditional IRA while still employed at the sponsoring employer. There seems to be some confusion about this and rumors of new laws that allow it. The short answer to the question is, no. By law, you can not withdraw 401k contributions, that is, pre-tax salary deferrals, before severance, plan termination, turning 59 1/2, death, disability or hardship (and you can't roll over hardship withdrawals). ...