Overview

An employee benefits lawyer, Mark Rosenfeld counsels employers, plan sponsors and administrators on the design, administration and governance of retirement plans (such as 401(k) plans) and welfare plans (such as health plans). He also drafts executive compensation arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, equity incentive plans and severance plans. Mark provides detailed analysis and advice on IRS Code § 280G golden parachute provisions in M&A transactions. Mark also counsels employers on tax issues associated with fringe benefits and employee benefit payroll reporting issues.

Retirement Plans

Mark works with plans sponsors and plan administrators to support the day-to-day operation of both ERISA tax-qualified plans (like 401(k)s) and non-qualified plans (such as deferred compensation plans). He helps clients respond to claims for benefits and files correction applications with the IRS and DOL. Mark also assists in the review and approval of qualified domestic relations orders and power of attorney forms submitted to these plans. 

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mark provides deal support to both buyers and sellers by reviewing and advising on issues related to employee benefits plans in M&A transactions. He also analyzes potential IRS Code 280G issues and advises clients on how to proceed in order to eliminate or minimize any adverse tax implications. Following the completion of a merger, Mark assists the buyer in the winding down and termination (or merger) of recently acquired benefit plans. 

Other Employee Benefit Plans

Mark has assisted clients in drafting executive compensation arrangements, severance plans, deferred bonus plans, sale bonus plans and equity incentive plans. He also provides analysis and advice on potential IRS Code § 409A deferred compensation issues. Mark regularly advises on fringe benefit tax issues and counsels employers on payroll issues associated with employee benefit plans.

Prior Experience

During law school, Mark gained experience as a summer associate at Faegre Baker Daniels and law clerk with the Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office, Civil Division. Prior to his legal career, Mark worked in politics and government.

Personal Interests

Mark enjoys reading, cooking and biking (all year in Minneapolis).

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Minnesota

Education

University of Minnesota Law School
J.D. magna cum laude, Business and Labor & Employment Law Concentrations, ABA Journal of Labor and Employment Law (2016)

Miami University (Ohio)
B.A. in Political Science and History (2006)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives

Firm Blog Contributions

  • Spotlight on Benefits – a blog offering practical insight on legal developments which impact benefit plans

Leadership & Community

Professional Associations

  • Minnesota State Bar Association — Employee Benefits Section Council, 2021-25

Honors

  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2021-22 
  • Outstanding Commitment to Pro Bono Service Recognition — Pro Bono Council of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee in coordination with the Minnesota Supreme Court, 2020 
  • Order of the Coif
  • Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2015, 2019