McDermott Will & Emery LLP has a well-regarded employee benefits and executive compensation practice that specializes in both plan design work, as well as offering support for complex corporate M&A transactions. In Boston, practice head Andrew Liazos is a key contact for numerous Fortune 500 companies. In December 2022, the Boston office was strengthened with the arrival of Alden Bianchi, who is a standout talent in designing health and welfare plans. Working from the Chicago office, Todd Solomon often represents clients regarding ERISA fiduciary issues and employee benefits issues. Also supporting the Chicago office, Jeffrey Holdvogt assists clients with ERISA fiduciary and plan investment matters. In Dallas, Allison Wilkerson excels in designing qualified retirement plans, including pension plans and 401(k)s. In September 2023, Kate Vera, an experienced practitioner in executive compensation issues in the context of bankruptcy, restructuring, and insolvency, joined the New York office.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'We've been impressed with McDermott's can-do attitude, broad expertise, and cost efficiency that does not come at the expense of quality. It is clear that the firm is very devoted to growing its client relationships, which shows up across the board - from the team we have access to, to how the little things are handled. We're looking forward to expanding our relationship with McDermott over the coming years.'
'Kate Vera is hands down the most commercial, technical, and empathetic executive compensation and benefits lawyer I have every worked with. Her view of the market and ability to suggest solutions is truly exceptional. In contentious negotiations or when tempers flare (which happens with some frequency when executive pay is concerned), no lawyer is more effective at de-escalating the situation and producing a solution that delivers the commercial outcome for the client while making management motivated and feeling that they have been treated fairly.'
'This practice is unique in that it is effectively acting as our ERISA counsel, but also provides general benefits and non-qualified deferred compensation advisory services. MWE team is able to navigate our complex benefits environment with ease, and has established itself as a trusted partner to our organization.'
'Allison Wilkerson is exceeding our expectations in all interactions. Not only is she a brilliant legal mind, she is a pleasure to work with. Her availability to us as her clients is unparallel. She has efficiently supported us in several matters, some of which were time-critical.'
'Allison Wilkerson is an expert in her field.'
'Subject matter experts and great quality of service.'

Key clients

Liberty Mutual
Ericsson
Discover Financial Services
Lenovo
Trinity Industries
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
American Staffing Association
Illinois Health and Hospital Association
KONE Corporation
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
West Fraser Timber Co.

Work highlights

Serving as long-time counsel to Liberty Mutual, a leading Boston-based insurance company that employs over 60,000 people.
Acted on a big annuity lift out project for Trinity Industries, a multi-billion industrial corporation, which largely exited Trinity from the exposure associated with operating a defined benefits pension plan.
Advised Lenovo Group concerning an innovative direct contracting arrangement with healthcare systems in an effort to stall increased costs of employee healthcare.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Alden Bianchi

McDermott Will & Emery LLP

Alden J. Bianchi is an experienced Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation lawyer who advises corporate, not-for-profit, governmental and individual clients on a broad range of executive compensation and employee benefits matters, including qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans. Alden represented the Romney Administration in connection with the historic 2006 Massachusetts health care reform act, and he testified before the Senate Finance Committee in the lead-up to the Affordable Care Act. His published works include the Bloomberg/Bureau of National Affairs Health Care Reform Advisor, a comprehensive study of the impact of the Affordable Care Act on employers and employer-sponsored group health plans. Alden also serves as the current chair of the Bloomberg Tax Compensation Planning Journal Advisory Board.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Andrew Liazos

Other key lawyers

Todd Solomon, Allison Wilkerson, Alden Bianchi, Kate Vera, Jeffrey Holdvogt