Michael Durnwald is an associate in the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP and counsels private companies, nonprofits and publicly-traded companies of all sizes. His practice encompasses a diverse range of employee benefit matters, which includes work related to the following:
- Executive compensation and equity incentive plans (including related securities disclosure)
- Health and welfare benefits (including healthcare reform, COBRA, and HIPAA)
- Employee benefit issues involved with corporate transactions
- Qualified retirement plans (including ESOPs)
- Section 409A compliance and deferred compensation plans
- Fiduciary advice and ERISA litigation
- Fringe benefits
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Durnwald worked in human resources for both small and large companies, performed volunteer work for multiple organizations, was a certified mediator and completed a public interest fellowship with the Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund. Mr. Durnwald is an active participant in Katten’s
pro bono efforts and serves on the firm’s
pro bono committee and associates committee.
Mr. Durnwald earned his Bachelor of Arts degree,
magna cum laude, from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2002 and his Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations degree from the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign in 2005. In 2006, he obtained his Juris Doctor,
cum laude, from Northwestern University. He is admitted to practice in Illinois.
Selected Publications & Presentations
- "Stimulus Bill COBRA Subsidy, part of New Laws, Bad Economy: A Update on the Changing Landscape of Employment Law," Chicago, IL (April 23, 2009)
- Gregory K. Brown & Michael R. Durnwald, "QDROs and Other Considerations for Retirement Plan Assets upon Divorce," Illinois Family Law: Property & Financial Aspects in Dissolution Actions, IICLE (2008)
- Jonathan G. Rose & Michael R. Durnwald, "Recent Developments in Employee Benefits Law," 43 Tort Trial & Ins. Prac. L.J. 333 (2008).