Matthew J. Cannova

Matthew advises employers and benefits professionals across the country in matters related to employee benefits and executive compensation. He has experience representing employers in defense of audits, investigations, and proceedings by government agencies (IRS and DOL) concerning benefits and compensation matters.

Matthew’s practice includes advising clients with respect to all types of executive compensation programs and employee benefit plans, including qualified and nonqualified retirement, deferred compensation, profit sharing, 401(k), defined benefit, and health and welfare plans. He also advises clients with respect to compliance issues under HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, and the Affordable Care Act (Health Care Reform), as well as requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. He works with clients to identify and correct plan defects and compliance failures in tax-qualified retirement plans and welfare benefit plans through IRS and DOL voluntary correction programs.

Matthew has been recognized by several organizations and industry publications for his work as an employee benefits attorney, including Alabama Super Lawyers and Mid-South Super Lawyers. He is a member of the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation and Labor & Employment practice groups in Maynard Nexsen’s Birmingham office.

Community & Professional

• American Bar Association
• Alabama State Bar Association
• Birmingham Bar Association
• The University of Alabama Human Resources Management Conference Advisory Committee
• Alabama Plan Sponsor Council, Board Member
• Junior Executive Board of the American Cancer Society
• Birmingham Ducks Unlimited Board
• Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity, Alumni Advisor

Recognition

• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2021-present)
• Mid-South Super Lawyers "Rising Star" in Employee Benefits (2016-Present)
• Alabama Super Lawyers "Rising Star" in Employee Benefits (2015)

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