ESOP Transactions and Compliance Issues: Structuring Options, SECURE 2.0, IRS Expanded Focus, Fiduciary Liability

Ms. Lewis brings over twenty years of experience in Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) transactions to her national practice. Her extensive experience spans the full spectrum of ESOP matters, including new formations, the sale of companies, the financing and structuring of transactions and strategic advisory services for companies navigating complex transactions and life as an ESOP company. Ms. Lewis has a proven track record of representing a diverse array of clients on ESOP transactions and related matters, including financial institutions, corporations, private equity firms and independent fiduciaries. Her practice encompasses a wide range of transactions, including mergers, leveraged buy-outs, corporate reorganizations, owner succession transactions and management buy-outs. Ms. Lewis is adept at structuring and financing ESOP transactions, ensuring that each deal is meticulously tailored to meet her clients’ unique needs and objectives. She actively participates in the ESOP community and is a regular speaker at the Beyster Institute, University of California San Diego, Rady School of Management and at national and local conferences sponsored by the ESOP Association and the National Center of Employee Ownership.

Mr. Pardys serves as the Co-Chair of Polsinelli’s nationally recognized Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) group. Through his practice, he represents private companies, selling shareholders, financial institutions and independent fiduciaries in all facets of ESOP transactions. Mr. Pardys has a strong commitment to employee ownership and regularly advises mature ESOP companies on sustainability and strategies to maintain a successful employee-owned company. He also works with ESOP companies on sophisticated and complex mergers, acquisitions and other growth strategies. Mr. Pardys handles ESOP transactions in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, food service, insurance, construction financial services and health care. He possesses an in-depth knowledge about tax-exempt entities, federal tax law and representations before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).