Amanda J. Dernovshek, Attorney – Lansing, MI

Strategic Legal Counsel for Business and Employee Benefits

In the complex world of corporate law and employee regulations, having a knowledgeable attorney is essential for business success. Amanda J. Dernovshek is a Shareholder at Foster Swift Collins and Smith PC, one of Michigan’s most established law firms. Based in Lansing, Amanda specializes in the intricate fields of employee benefits and executive compensation. Her practice is dedicated to helping employers navigate the maze of federal regulations, including ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, to create compliant and effective benefit structures. Whether you are a small business owner looking to establish a retirement plan or a large corporation managing complex compensation packages, Amanda offers the precise legal guidance needed to minimize risk and maximize value. Her deep understanding of tax law and business planning makes her an invaluable asset to clients seeking to optimize their operational frameworks.

Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation

Amanda’s primary focus lies in the design, implementation, and maintenance of employee benefit plans. She provides comprehensive support for a variety of structures that incentivize employees and protect business interests.

• Qualified Retirement Plans: assisting with the drafting and administration of 401(k) plans, profit-sharing plans, and defined benefit pension plans to ensure they meet all regulatory requirements.
• ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans): Guiding companies through the complex process of establishing ESOPs, which serve as both an employee benefit and a powerful business succession tool.
• Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation: designing tailored compensation agreements for key executives to attract and retain top talent.
• Health and Welfare Plans: Advising on compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), COBRA, and HIPAA to prevent costly penalties.

Business Planning and Transactions

Beyond benefits, Amanda plays a critical role in the broader scope of business law, particularly during times of transition and growth.

• Mergers and Acquisitions: advising on the employee benefits aspects of corporate transactions, ensuring that due diligence is thorough and that benefit plan liabilities are properly managed.
• Business Succession: helping business owners plan for the future transfer of ownership, often utilizing ESOPs as a vehicle for smooth transition.
• Entity Formation and Governance: counseling on the selection of appropriate business entities and the creation of governance documents that provide a solid legal foundation.

Recognized Excellence

Amanda J. Dernovshek’s commitment to her clients and her profession has earned her recognition as one of the ‘Ones to Watch’ by Best Lawyers. This accolade reflects her growing reputation as a leader in tax law and business organizations. A graduate of Michigan State University College of Law, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the International Law Review, Amanda combines academic rigor with practical, results-oriented advice. She is also a co-host of the ‘Businesswomen Talking’ podcast, where she discusses legal and professional issues facing women in the business world.

If you need to find an attorney who can handle the most technical aspects of your business’s legal needs, Amanda J. Dernovshek is the expert to call. To order a lawyer consultation regarding your employee benefits or business planning, contact her office at Foster Swift today.