For over 25 years, Tony Kolenic has represented private sector, tax-exempt and governmental employers in all facets of employee benefits and executive compensation. He regularly counsels clients regarding compliance with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and various labor and securities laws impacting 401(k) plans, defined benefit plans, multiemployer plans, health care plans, stock option plans, change in control agreements and employee stock ownership plans, as well as all related employee benefit and executive compensation programs. He is the Chair of the Firm's Employee Benefits Practice Group.

Representative Experience

• Drafted a Director's Deferred Compensation Plan for a mid-Michigan based financial services organization
• Drafted a model Section 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan and related documents for a west-Michigan based financial services organization for it to use in marketing the plan to school districts, colleges and universities

Honors and Awards

• Named to Michigan Super Lawyers 2006-2009
• Best Lawyers in America, Employee Benefits Law, 1995-2011
• Rated a leader in the field of employee benefits and executive compensation law in Michigan by Chambers USA 2009-2010
• Order of the Coif
• Recipient of the University of Michigan Law School Katcher Senior Tax Prize
• Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation
  

Bar Associations

Teaching and Lecturing

• Adjunct Faculty Member, Western Michigan University (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist Program), 1990-Present.
• Adjunct Faculty Member, Grand Valley State University (Taxation and Employee Benefits), 1996-Present
• Adjunct Faculty Member, Muskegon Community College, 1983-88
• "Employee Benefits General Session," WNJ Human Resources Seminar, March 23, 2010, Grand Rapids, Michigan   
• "Employer of Choice - Meaningful Benefits - Retirement," WNJ Human Resources Seminar, September 11, 2008, Grand Rapids, Michigan 
• Speaker at various seminars for employee benefit service providers and attorneys
  

Publications

• "The Shape of Things to Come: Potential Litigation Involving Participant-Directed Account Plans," The Michigan Tax Lawyer, 1st Quarter, 1995
• "The Future of Employee Benefits: The Next Two, Five and Fifteen Years," speech before the Michigan Bankers Association, April 21, 1995
  

• HR Focus
• Things Clients Are Asking Us About Retirement Plans

Community Affiliations

• Kiwanis Division 15
  Past President and Lieutenant Governor
  
• Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation
  Past President and Board Member
  
• Muskegon County Museum
  Past President
  
• Muskegon Jaycees
  Recipient, Distinguished Service Award
  

News

• Warner Norcross Recognized as Leading Michigan Law Firm by Chambers USA 2010
• 51 Warner Norcross Attorneys Recognized as Super Lawyers