USA Guide 2026 : Illinois
Ranked Individuals
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.
Provided by Chambers
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is experienced at offering services in a range of benefit and compensation matters. The firm's expertise covers plan design as well as HIPPA 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.
Provided by Chambers
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP served as ERISA counsel to Post Holdings, on retirement and health plan compliance, fiduciary governance and strategic employee benefits aspects of M&A.
Provided by Chambers
They are comfortable in board settings, advise on governance implications, and build equity frameworks that position companies for future institutional capital.
They don't just regurgitate the law. They get to know our business and provide advice we can use.
Their ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes with clarity and precision has been invaluable in both strategic planning and day-to-day advisory work.
They proactively communicate with us to ensure we know about changes that may impact our organization.
Provided by Chambers
Jorge Leon is recognized for his skills in handling retirement, health and welfare plan work. He is also well versed in ERISA matters.
Jorge consistently delivers clarity, his advice is not only legally sound, but also deeply informed by real-world business dynamics.
Working with Jorge feels like having an in-house expert who genuinely understands our goals and the impacts to all stakeholders.
He helps us identify all of our options in order to think through the best solutions.
He is extremely intelligent and I am confident with his guidance we are always making the best decisions for our plan and company.
Carrie has a terrific depth and breadth of knowledge of employee benefits and compensation issues.
She is responsive, thoughtful, and handles every matter no matter how complex or sensitive with professionalism and care.
Head of Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
Provided by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Bradley MacDonald
Martin Tierney
Mark Lotito
Linda Emery
Carrie Byrnes
View profile of Carrie Byrnes
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