Press Release

Michael Best Welcomes Steve Flores as Executive Compensation Partner in Labor and Employment Practice

Issued by Michael Best & Friedrich

June 1, 2026

Michael Best is pleased to announce that Steve Flores has joined the firm’s Chicago office as an executive compensation partner in the Labor & Employment practice in the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation group. Flores brings extensive experience advising clients on executive compensation and employee benefits matters, including equity and cash incentives, retirement plans, health and welfare programs, and compensation and benefits issues in complex corporate transactions.  

Flores advises boards, fiduciaries, and plan sponsors on a broad range of ERISA and employee benefits matters such as fiduciary governance, plan design and administration, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies. He has significant experience advising and working collaboratively with private equity and venture capital investors, sponsors, internal legal departments, executives, and human resources and benefits professionals.   

“We are excited to welcome Steve to our benefits team,” said Jorge Leon, Partner and Sub-Group Co-Leader of Employee Benefits. “His strong track record advising on complex ERISA matters, plan governance, and high-value transactions along with his practical, business-focused counsel will strengthen our ability to support clients across a wide range of industries.” 

In addition, Flores regularly advises on executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures, representing buyers and sellers in highly-valued transactions. His work includes conducting comprehensive diligence, negotiating transaction-related provisions to address benefits and compensation risks, analyzing golden parachute excise tax exposure under Section 280G, structuring the treatment of equity compensation and benefit plans and supporting post-closing integration of benefit plans and compensatory arrangements.  

Before joining Michael Best, Flores was a partner at two top global law firms where he specialized in executive compensation and employee benefits.  

“The addition of Steve to the team reflects the continued growth of our Chicago office and our investment in expanding our Executive Compensation and Transaction capabilities,” said Kerryann Minton, Managing Partner of the Chicago office. “Steve’s practice strengthens our ability to serve clients, which is always at the forefront of Michael Best’s business decisions.” 

Flores earned his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

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