Jeffrey P. Carren

Jeff joined Laner Muchin in 1994 with 21 years of benefits practice at other major Chicago law firms. He regularly provides counsel to clients on matters pertaining to their qualified retirement benefit plans, executive compensation and employee welfare benefit programs. His practice includes interaction with the Internal Revenue Service, U S Department of Labor, Employee Benefits division and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

HONORS, MEMBERSHIPS AND PUBLICATIONS

• Named Illinois Leading Lawyer by Leading Lawyers for several years
• Edmund James Scholar, University of Illinois
• Phi Eta Sigma Honorary Fraternity
• Member, Chicago Bar Association
• Notes & Comments Editor, Northwestern Law Review

Below are representative samples of the types of matters Jeff handles on behalf of Laner Muchin clients:

Addressing and correcting compliance issues relating to technical legal requirements for specific types of benefit plans.

Dealing with federal agencies in seeking determinations of tax qualified status, in conducting audits of benefit plans and in terminating plans.

Handling disputed benefit claims issues, including the preparation of qualified domestic relations orders and death benefits.

Reviewing benefit programs of potential targets for acquisition by our clients.

Counseling and preparation of executive compensation arrangements for senior executives, in the form of employment agreements, nonqualified deferred compensation, incentive plans and severance benefits, for executives and/or for the businesses which engage them as senior officers.

Preparation of stock appreciation, phantom stock and stock option plans.

Preparation and operation of employee stock ownership plans, including fiduciary representation of trustees in purchasing shares from principal owners of small businesses.

Counseling on multiemployer retirement plan withdrawal liability determinations.