Michael H. Woolever focused his practice on executive compensation, ERISA Title I issues, ERISA class action litigation, and other employee benefit and federal income tax matters. He was a partner in the firm’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation and Taxation Practices.

Employee Benefits Experience

Michael regularly represented both ERISA plans and sponsors of alternative investments in connection with the fiduciary and other rules governing investments by ERISA plans. His practice also focused on advising clients on matters involving the fiduciary rules under Title I of ERISA and on representing clients before the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, particularly in bankruptcy matters. Michael worked closely with firm litigators in connection with the defense of novel ERISA class action claims and other ERISA‑related litigation, including matters involving ERISA preemption of state laws.

Federal Income Tax

Over more than 45 years of practice, Michael developed broad, policy‑based federal income tax skills and had extensive experience representing clients nationwide in Internal Revenue Service audits, before the IRS Appeals Division, and in court. He also regularly provided general federal income tax advice and counsel to firm attorneys working on acquisitions, bankruptcy matters, and business reorganizations.

Legislative and Regulatory Health Insurance Matters

Michael was deeply involved in legislative and regulatory matters affecting the health insurance industry, including solvency issues, reinsurance arrangements, third‑party administration arrangements, regulatory filings, sales of blocks of business, ERISA preemption issues, and the proposed Department of Labor service provider disclosure regulations.