Michael Abbott

Partner

Employee benefits and tax lawyer Michael Abbott is a leading advisor to companies, executives, and fiduciaries with sophisticated employee benefits and executive compensation needs, particularly in the tech, energy, and private equity sectors. A partner in the firm’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation and Taxation Practices, Michael has a significant employee benefits presence representing clients in the live entertainment, medical device, chemical, school bus, transit, and transportation industries.

Michael’s nationwide practice focuses on ERISA and related tax compliance matters involving various aspects of employee benefits, including cross-border tax issues, tax-qualified plans including ESOPs, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, and other benefit plans. He represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of Labor, and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation in connection with regulatory audit, plan administration, and correction matters. Michael also has extensive experience in the design, implementation, and administration of employee stock ownership plans and has been involved in numerous ESOP transactions representing corporations, selling shareholders, and fiduciaries.

Michael’s clients comprise both private and publicly owned entities as well as domestic and foreign employers with employees abroad. Regardless of their industry or location, Michael’s clients are attracted to his responsive, highly focused style of practice, his ability to stay ahead of relentlessly changing regulations in the tax qualified plan, health care, and executive compensation arenas, and his skill in marshaling additional firm resources.

Awards and Recognition

  • Selected as a 2023 “Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers
  • Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2009 – 2024)

Affiliations

  • Member, State Bar of Texas
  • Member, State Bar of Florida
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Houston Bar Association
  • Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
  • Member, ESOP Association
    • ESOP Legislative and Regulatory Advisory Committee
  • Member, National Center for Employee Ownership
03 September 2024 In the News

Michael Abbott and Aaron Tantleff Discuss Fiduciary Diligence on AI

Foley & Lardner LLP partners Michael Abbott and Aaron Tantleff discuss the risks and opportunities of AI use in employer sponsored retirement plans in the planadviser article, "AI Is Here. Fiduciaries Must Remain Diligent."
22 April 2024 Deals and Wins

Foley Advises Quanex in Agreement to Acquire Tyman

Foley & Lardner LLP is serving as legal advisor to Quanex Building Products Corporation in its agreement to acquire Tyman in a recommended cash and share offer at an enterprise value of approximately $1.1 billion.
17 April 2024 Legal News: Employee Benefits Insights

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 401(k) Plan Fiduciary Implications

AI is emerging as a major transformative force across various industries, including finance and retirement planning.
21 March 2024 Deals and Wins

Foley Represents DISA Global Solutions in Acquisition of CastleBranch Screening and Compliance Business

Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal advisor to DISA Global Solutions, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, in its acquisition of the screening and compliance services of CastleBranch Inc.
16 January 2024 Deals and Wins

Foley Represents Beacon Mobility in Acquisition of Cedar Bus Company and Easton Bus Service

Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal advisor to Beacon Mobility, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, in its acquisitions of Cedar Bus Company and Easton Bus Service, Inc.
15 November 2023 Legal News: Employee Benefits Insights

Diving into SECURE 2.0: Important ESOP Updates

This month, we are focusing on several SECURE 2.0 changes specific to Employee Stock Ownership Plans.