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With 18 offices, from New York to Los Angeles and Seattle to Orlando, we live and work in communities all over the U.S., collaborating across locations, disciplines and even borders. Our experienced, highly ranked lawyers serve businesses wherever they are and wherever they want to go.

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Pro Bono

Am Law 100 firm with practices in Business, Digital Assets and Data Management, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, Litigation and Tax.

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BakerHostetler Continues Strategic Growth, Adding Commercial Litigation Partner Brad Pensyl in New York

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Weekly Blockchain Blog – April 28, 2025

With a background in law, consulting and human resources, Michael provides practical, business-focused guidance to employers navigating the complexities of benefits and compensation programs. He helps clients interpret evolving regulatory requirements, correct compliance issues and implement benefit structures that align with their business goals. Recognized for his ability to translate technical legal requirements into clear, actionable solutions, he works collaboratively with clients to ensure their benefit programs remain compliant and effective.

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J.D., Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, 

Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

B.A., Business, Illinois Wesleyan University, 

<ul>
<li>The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
<ul>
<li>Community Commitment Honor Society (2024)</li>
<li>Access to Justice Award (2022)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


Columbus

Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation

<ul>
<li>Advises clients on the full lifecycle of retirement, welfare, equity and incentive benefit plans including plan design, implementation, administration and termination.</li>
<li>Counsels and trains employers on ERISA fiduciary duties and the adoption and administration of related governance structures.</li>
<li>Represents clients in interactions with regulatory agencies including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on audits and compliance matters.</li>
<li>Drafts and negotiates executive compensation arrangements including offer letters, employment agreements and severance agreements.</li>
<li>Assists companies in mergers and acquisitions by evaluating benefit plan liabilities, structuring transition strategies and integrating employee benefits post-transaction.</li>
<li>Guides employers through complex correction programs maintained by the IRS and DOL, ensuring proper remediation of benefit plan errors.</li>
<li>Works with clients on selecting and transitioning third-party service providers, overseeing contract negotiations and implementation.</li>
</ul>


Michael R. Durnwald

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