Foley & Lardner Welcomes Shannon Kukulka to Strengthen Employee Benefits Practice
Foley & Lardner LLP has expanded its Nashville office by welcoming Shannon Goff Kukulka as a partner in the Executive Benefits & Employee Compensation Practice Group. Kukulka brings a wealth of experience in addressing complex employee benefits and executive compensation challenges, providing strategic advice on regulatory, transactional, and compliance issues. Her move from Holland & Knight enhances Foley’s capabilities in the Health Care & Life Sciences and Manufacturing sectors, which are pivotal for the firm's growth in the Nashville market.
In her role, Kukulka will guide firms across healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and insurance sectors on benefits and compensation matters. Her experience encompasses advising on retirement and health plans, equity compensation, and managing benefits tied to mergers and acquisitions. Kukulka's expertise includes navigating qualified plan issues under securities laws, international benefits, and post-merger integration strategies.
Jesse Neil, the managing partner of Foley’s Nashville office, notes that Kukulka’s addition underscores the firm’s commitment to Nashville, meeting the increasing demands of clients in key industries. Her skills are particularly aligned with the needs of clients seeking sophisticated executive benefits and compensation services.
With a background as in-house counsel at a Fortune Global 500 manufacturing company, Kukulka possesses in-depth knowledge of benefits strategy, executive compensation, and compliance with regulatory requirements such as the Affordable Care Act and Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. Her experience extends to ERISA-related litigation and audits conducted by bodies like the IRS and Department of Labor.
Amy Ciepluch, chair of the Executive Benefits & Employee Compensation Practice Group, emphasizes Kukulka’s technical savvy and transactional expertise as key assets that enhance Foley’s ability to handle high-stakes benefits scenarios. Kukulka's proficiency is expected to significantly contribute to Foley’s service offerings.
Reflecting on her move, Kukulka expressed excitement about joining Foley, appreciating the firm’s collaborative culture and strategic growth initiatives, which align with her goals of expanding her practice and providing comprehensive solutions for clients. Her presence in Nashville is envisioned as a major boost to Foley’s regional expansion efforts.
Foley & Lardner LLP is recognized for its extensive legal services across sectors such as Energy & Infrastructure, Health Care & Life Sciences, and Manufacturing. With a global presence of over 1,100 lawyers across 27 offices, Foley positions itself as a premier business advisor adept at navigating complex client challenges.