Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation: Michigan

THE FIRM This large firm offers a number of highly regarded benefits and compensation attorneys. The team is considered to be especially effective at implementing and overseeing qualified retirement plans, 401(k) plans, profit share, and cash balance plans. It is also noted for its highly detailed work on nonqualified compensation deferrals and for its coverage of health and cafeteria policies.

Sources say: "An incredibly strong team that definitely deserves a high ranking."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Outstanding senior attorney" Orin Brustad is strongly focused on ERISA work and is an expert on US and international pension law. He recently helped draft proposed legislation aimed at increasing oversight of distressed municipal pension plans in Michigan, and is also authoring the Thailand chapter of a book on Asian pension reform. Group leader Christopher McMican is highly recommended as a generalist employee benefits practitioner, and "a very bright and conscientious lawyer." He recently represented a tax-exempt entity in its attempt to transfer three retirement plans between financial institutions, which involved renegotiating contracts and planning documents as well as overseeing insurance compliance. 

THE FIRM This full-service Ann Arbor-based boutique supplies comprehensive coverage of 403(b) plans and continues to earn high praise for its ERISA work. Its clientele includes a variety of health insurers and charities as well as health maintenance organizations.

Sources say: "An incredibly well-respected boutique with highly regarded lawyers who are active at the state Bar."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pensions expert Nancy Keppelman is the person to turn to for all retirement benefits matters related to qualified domestic relations orders, and has authored a book on the subject. Interviewees agree that she is "incredibly knowledgeable and great at providing advice on a practical and understandable level." Robert Stevenson is a superb pensions and benefits practitioner who typically represents municipalities and government entities. He is extremely skilled at negotiating fund arrangements and fiduciary structures, and, according to commentators, has an excellent working relationship with the IRS. "He's among the brightest and the best, and is always a tenacious advocate for his clients," admire peers. Deborah Thompson"handles herself very well and is an excellent source of advice in the area." She has three decades of experience in assisting clients with employee benefits-related matters, and is also highly regarded as an arbitrator.

THE FIRM This outstanding West Michigan practice represents clients in DOL audits, investigations and administrative proceedings at the state and federal levels. Its 12 attorneys give expert advice on COBRA matters and defined benefit and contribution plans.

Sources say: "This team is very easy to work with – it has a practical approach and keeps us informed about developments, quickly alerting us to any issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lisa Zimmer is great respected for her expertise in welfare planning work: "When I ask a question about our benefits plan she will take me right to the key points. She is always proactive and ahead of the curve, and overall she is just an incredible resource." Mary Jo Larson is currently helping a major company to unwind its collective trust by splitting the assets for its retirement plan. She operates out of Southfield and handles a broad range of benefits problems, such as 401(k), pensions, nonqualified deferred compensation and stock option plans. Clients agree that "having Mary on your side fills you with confidence that you're not second to anybody." Grand Rapids-based John McKendry "has a subtle understanding of some very technical issues," and is a go-to lawyer for defined benefit plans. George Whitfield specializes in retirement plans and has mastered every aspect of ERISA law. According to interviewees, "he knows what to communicate to clients and he always makes the deal go very smoothly." Anthony Kolenic counsels clients on a wide range of executive compensation matters. His vast expertise extends to multiemployer, healthcare and stock option plans.

THE FIRM This dynamic practice is recognized for its fantastic advice on ERISA benefits issues, especially qualified and nonqualified employee and executive retirement savings plans. The group has a sophisticated grasp of key legislation such as the FMLA and the ADA. Clients are drawn from both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.

Sources say: "The group has great technical expertise and client focus."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Buydens offers substantial experience of pension planning and is also well regarded for his dexterity in organizing stock option and flexible benefit plans: "He is reliable and smart, particularly on health and welfare issues," reports one interviewee. He recently filed an amicus brief on behalf of eight universities in connection with litigation regarding retiree healthcare.

THE FIRM This team is highlighted by market sources for its efficient structuring of pension, welfare and stock compensation plans. It represents a variety of clients, from publicly owned companies to nonprofits and government employers. Its traditional employee benefits work is identified as a particular strength.

Sources say: "The lawyers are extremely knowledgeable and conscientious."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Margaret Adams Hunter has wide-ranging executive compensation and retirement plan experience. She continues to earn recognition for her handling of complex 409A compliance projects.

THE FIRM In response to increased market demand, this team has concentrated on defined contribution plans work in recent times. The three-practitioner group is recognized for its clearly thought-out and systematic approach to planned documentation work. Its highlights include assisting automotive supplier Valeo with the design and documentation of its retirement and welfare benefits plans, and with its executive compensation arrangements.

Sources say: "This firm's attorneys have great depth of experience and are at the leading edge of the law; they provide superb guidance on complex matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Friedman is an expert on HIPAA compliance, and "capable, practical, well organized and congenial." His practice emphasizes health and welfare-related work, and also covers pension and retirement fund cases. Gregory Schermerhorn enters the rankings following praise for his expertise in pension retirement plans. He typically focuses on qualified plans and handles some executive compensation work. Interviewees agree that "he will calmly absorb the most complicated and difficult issues, and accurately perceive what the client wants to achieve."

THE FIRM This firm operates out of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, and continues its sterling work on retirement and deferred compensation matters. Many of its clients are drawn from the healthcare sector; several have recently expanded their operations, and the team has been instrumental in organizing the transfer of employees and benefits packages during complicated mergers. The group has also handled work for prominent retailer Meijer. 

Sources say: "A West Michigan firm that commands a lot of respect."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frank Berrodin handles a substantial amount of cash balance plan work, and also advises on defined contribution plans. In addition, he participates in the employee benefits component of estate planning and covers nonqualified plans for larger clients. James Bruinsma has a similar practice, and is recognized for being very well versed in retirement plans and deferred compensation. He focuses on representing major corporate clients, particularly large healthcare institutions, and is also sought out for ESOP work.