Maureen O'Brien

For businesses and individuals across Illinois, navigating the intricate landscape of employee benefits and executive compensation requires highly specialized legal expertise. These areas are constantly evolving, influenced by complex regulations, corporate transactions, and the strategic needs of organizations. When seeking comprehensive and insightful legal counsel in this critical field, Maureen O'Brien stands out as a preeminent professional within the Chicago legal community. As a distinguished partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Maureen brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in employee benefits, executive compensation, and their intersection with significant corporate events. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Maureen O'Brien's practice, helping local users in Illinois understand how her specialized services can provide crucial support for their business and personal legal needs.

Maureen O'Brien's practice at Kirkland & Ellis LLP encompasses a broad spectrum of employee benefits and executive compensation matters. She is particularly known for her extensive experience in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) aspects of these fields, working with clients on strategic and private equity transactions. This expertise is vital for companies undergoing significant changes, as employee benefits and compensation structures are often central to successful integration and compliance. Beyond transactional work, Maureen also provides ongoing counsel on the design and implementation of various plans, ensuring that companies meet regulatory requirements while also attracting and retaining top talent. Her dedication to staying abreast of the latest legal developments and providing proactive advice makes her an invaluable asset for any entity operating within the Illinois business landscape.

Maureen O'Brien's office is conveniently located in the heart of Chicago at 300 Ogilvie/Union, IL - Lasalle/Clark, IL, Chicago, IL 60654, USA. This central location in one of the city's primary business and legal districts offers exceptional accessibility for clients across Illinois. Whether you are situated within Chicago, its surrounding suburbs, or other parts of the state, the office is easily reachable via various transportation methods. Its proximity to major transit hubs and roadways ensures that clients can attend in-person consultations with ease. The "Ogilvie/Union" and "Lasalle/Clark" references in the address point to key landmarks, suggesting a location that is well-known and integrated into Chicago's urban fabric. This strategic placement allows for convenient access to other professional services and financial institutions, facilitating a seamless and efficient experience for clients requiring complex legal assistance. For Illinois businesses and individuals, this accessible downtown presence means that top-tier legal expertise is not just available, but also conveniently located to serve their needs.

Maureen O'Brien's practice at Kirkland & Ellis LLP provides a comprehensive range of legal services with a particular focus on the intricate areas of employee benefits and executive compensation. Her expertise is critical for businesses navigating complex corporate events and for ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

Services Offered:

• Employee Benefits Counseling: Advising on the design, implementation, and administration of qualified and nonqualified retirement plans (such as 401(k)s and pension plans) and welfare plans (health, disability, life insurance).

• Executive Compensation Matters: Providing counsel on executive compensation arrangements, including equity and incentive compensation, deferred compensation (Section 409A matters), and employment agreements.

• M&A Aspects of Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation: Extensive experience with strategic and private equity transactions, including due diligence, integration, and restructuring of employee benefits and compensation plans during mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.

• Restructuring Matters: Representing debtors regarding the employee benefits aspects of restructuring and bankruptcy proceedings.

• Financing Agreements: Providing significant experience in the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of financing agreements.

• Fiduciary Matters: Routinely advising clients on fiduciary duties and responsibilities related to employee benefit plans.

• Corporate Governance: Offering guidance on corporate governance matters affecting employee benefit plans and executive compensation.

• Multiemployer Pension Plans and Retiree Welfare Plans: Advising clients on the design, liabilities, and negotiations related to multiemployer pension funds and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

• IRS Representation: Representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service on employee benefits matters.

Maureen O'Brien's practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore her expertise and commitment to her clients.

Features / Highlights:

• Recognized Expertise: Maureen O'Brien is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for her work in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, signifying her standing as a leading legal professional in this complex field. She has also been recognized by The Legal 500 U.S. for her transactional work related to employee benefits, executive compensation, and retirement plans.

• Extensive Transactional Experience: Her practice focuses heavily on the M&A aspects of employee benefits and executive compensation, providing critical support during strategic and private equity transactions. This experience ensures seamless integration and compliance during significant corporate changes.

• Broad Client Base: Maureen advises a wide range of clients, including strategic companies and private equity firms, on complex employee benefits and executive compensation issues. This diverse client base demonstrates her adaptability and ability to cater to various organizational structures and needs.

• Holistic Approach: Beyond transactional work, Maureen provides ongoing counseling on plan design, compliance, and fiduciary matters, offering a comprehensive legal solution for all aspects of employee benefits and executive compensation.

• Client Endorsement: As noted by a real customer, Maureen Moloney, the firm is a "safe spot." While brief, this review suggests a sense of security and reliability that clients feel when entrusting their legal matters to Maureen O'Brien and Kirkland & Ellis LLP. This speaks to a strong client relationship and a feeling of being well-protected.

For a highly specialized and distinguished legal practice such as Maureen O'Brien’s at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, "promotions or special offers" are not typically available in the conventional sense that consumers might expect from a retail business. The firm's value proposition lies in the unparalleled depth of legal expertise, strategic insight, and proven track record in complex employee benefits and executive compensation matters. Their "offer" is the assurance of receiving top-tier legal counsel that can navigate the most intricate regulatory landscapes and transactional challenges. Clients are encouraged to engage directly with Maureen O'Brien to discuss their specific needs, where the firm's approach is tailored to provide optimal and cost-effective solutions for their unique circumstances. This direct engagement ensures that potential clients fully understand the strategic advantages and the value that their expert legal guidance brings to their business or personal situation, often preventing future complications and ensuring long-term compliance and success.

For those in Illinois seeking to learn more or engage with Maureen O'Brien, the contact information is as follows:

• Address: 300 Ogilvie/Union, IL - Lasalle/Clark, IL, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

• Phone: (312) 861-2000

• Mobile Phone: +1 312-861-2000

This contact information provides direct access to Maureen O'Brien's office within Kirkland & Ellis LLP, facilitating inquiries and consultations for businesses and individuals throughout the Illinois region.

For locals across Illinois, Maureen O'Brien at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is an exceptionally suitable legal resource, particularly for those facing complex issues related to employee benefits and executive compensation. Her specialized expertise in areas like M&A integration, plan design, and regulatory compliance is invaluable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large corporations, ensuring they remain compliant and competitive. The firm's prestigious standing and Maureen's personal recognition in top legal directories provide an assurance of high-caliber legal service and strategic thinking. Furthermore, the accessible location in downtown Chicago makes it convenient for Illinois-based clients to access her expert counsel. The noted client sentiment of it being a "safe spot" further underscores the trust and reliability that Maureen O'Brien instills in her clients. When navigating the often daunting complexities of employee benefits and executive compensation, having a trusted and highly experienced legal professional like Maureen O'Brien readily available in Illinois provides significant peace of mind and a crucial strategic advantage.