Jorge Leon

Jorge is a trusted advisor to boards, executives, and fiduciaries confronting complex, high-stakes legal and business challenges. He is frequently engaged when issues are novel, sensitive, or consequential—particularly where compensation, benefits, governance, risk, and enterprise strategy intersect.At the forefront of emerging fiduciary issues, including ERISA cybersecurity and litigation risk mitigation, Jorge helped defend one of the first 401(k) cybersecurity lawsuits and has been entrusted with the design and oversight of H&W, executive compensation and retirement plans. He is valued for his judgment, clarity, and ability to translate complexity into actionable solutions. Clients rely on Jorge not only for technical excellence, but for his ability to anticipate risk, navigate ambiguity, and solve problems before they escalate.Plan sponsors, administrators, fiduciaries, insurers, and TPAs turn to Jorge for strategic counsel across the full lifecycle of benefit and compensation arrangements. Clients consistently cite his responsiveness, meticulous approach, and practical guidance.Before Michael Best, Jorge practiced for 15 years at a premier Chicago-based AmLaw 100 firm. He brings to his current practice a record of successful outcomes, disciplined risk management, and a client-centric approach that improves efficiency without compromising quality.As a leading ERISA practitioner and thought-leader, Jorge’s opinions and views are frequently sought by nationally recognized publishers, journalists, bar associations and professional organizations. Jorge has advised regulators and legislators on various policies impacting benefits. Some of Jorge’s views on benefits and related policy have been affirmed by the DOL and IRS in published guidance.As a general problem solver and external general counsel—particularly within higher education—Jorge regularly assists clients beyond traditional benefits matters. He is often called when organizations need a steady hand to assess risk, coordinate across disciplines, and drive solutions efficiently. These engagements have included advising colleges, publicly traded and privately held companies, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals in industries ranging from finance to professional sports. Recent matters have spanned M&A, banking and regulatory compliance, corporate and commercial law, real estate, environmental issues, immigration, employment law, bankruptcy, debt restructuring, operational turnarounds, and complex litigation, including cybersecurity, securities, and employment disputes.