Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
USA Guide 2024 : Illinois
Band 3
About
Provided by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Michael Best’s Illinois Employee Benefits team embraces a practical approach delivering real-world solutions to state and national clients, including public and private companies, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities. The team counsels employers as they evaluate and implement a variety of employee benefit arrangements, including health and welfare plans, qualified retirement plans, and executive compensation arrangements.
In collaboration with the firms Labor & Employment attorneys, our team has established a dynamic and grounded approach to benefits, unlike the more traditional approach.
The benefits professionals at Michael Best pride themselves on mastering the constantly evolving state and federal laws to support our diverse clients in navigating the legal landscape and executing a benefit and compensation package that serves the needs of employees and the organization.
Benefits are regulated by multiple governmental agencies at the federal level and otherwise, and our team regularly advises on compliance efforts and defends clients in inquiries and examinations initiated by federal agencies and multi-employer plans.
Our experience extends beyond established companies; we frequently help startup clients vet and adopt effective employee benefit plans and policies and advise them on the selection of appropriate benefits service providers.
Chambers Review
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is experienced offering services in a range of benefit and compensation matters. The firm's expertise covers plan design and ERISA compliance. It is skilled in handling benefit matters arising from corporate and securities transactions. The team regularly assists clients with IRS and DOL investigations.
Work Highlights
- Michael Best & Friedrich LLP advised Joseph T. Ryerson & Son's key leadership team on compliance and fiduciary issues for 16 separate pension, 401(k), profit-sharing, executive compensation and health plans across the company.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Michael Best & Friedrich has a solid team that worked flawlessly together."
"The responses we receive to questions are well thought out and thorough. It does not simply answer your question, but provides additional guidance on related topics that should be considered when making decisions or setting policies."
"The Michael Best team was well coordinated and had more than enough coverage to coordinate every time zone in the world."
"Not only do I get great legal counsel, but it always lays out practical business considerations relevant to our business and industry. The team quickly learned our business and how we fit into the market and into our bigger parent relationship."
"Michael Best & Friedrich has a solid team that worked flawlessly together."
"The responses we receive to questions are well thought out and thorough. It does not simply answer your question, but provides additional guidance on related topics that should be considered when making decisions or setting policies."
"The Michael Best team was well coordinated and had more than enough coverage to coordinate every time zone in the world."
"Not only do I get great legal counsel, but it always lays out practical business considerations relevant to our business and industry. The team quickly learned our business and how we fit into the market and into our bigger parent relationship."
Notable Practitioners
Jorge Leon is recognized for his skills in handling retirement, health and welfare plan work.
"Jorge is a great partner to our team. He is very responsive, knowledgeable, and thorough in his explanations."
"Jorge sees the business needs and balances the risk and cost and he does very well at bridging that gap."
"Jorge has a genuine passion for his work and when you combine that with his keen intellect, people skills and practicality, you get great results."
"He has a calm and knowledgeable demeanor that immediately brings comfort and confidence which is rare among benefits attorneys."
Carrie Byrnes regularly advises clients on plan design, compliance and administration. She also provides counsel on the employee benefits aspects of corporate transactions.
"Carrie is a consummate professional and trusted expert in the employee benefits arena. She provides an extraordinary level of customer service and is a trusted adviser for our team."
"Her ability to dissect complex problems and explain them in a way that all audiences can understand is truly remarkable."
"She has a great breadth of knowledge and works side by side with us on our most complex employee benefits work."
Ranked Lawyers at
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Illinois
Members
Provided by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Bradley MacDonald
Head of Department
Linda Emery
Mark Lotito
Martin Tierney