Catholic Law's alumnus, Brian Pinheiro '95, has been named Managing Partner of Finance and Operations at the national law firm of Ballard Spahr. He continues to lead the firm’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group. Pinheiro represents for-profit, tax-exempt, church, and government employers on matters relating to executive compensation, including Section 409A and the Section 280G golden parachute rules; tax-qualified retirement plans, including cash balance pension plans; 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans; and health and welfare benefit plans.

Pinheiro's Recognition & Accomplishments:

• The Legal 500 US, Labor and Employment - Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation, and Retirement Plans - Design, 2019-2023 
• Chambers USA, Labor and Employment: Employee Benefits and Compensation Law, 2006-2023
• The Best Lawyers in America, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2010-2024, "Lawyer of the Year," Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (Philadelphia), 2020 and 2024
• Named to Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2010 "40 Under 40" list, recognizing professional excellence and outstanding community involvement
• Recipient, the Brennan Award, on behalf of the Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program (VIP) in recognition of time and effort working on behalf of equal justice for all people
• Recipient, The Legal Intelligencer and Pennsylvania Law Weekly's 2007 "Lawyers on the Fast Track" award, given to select young Pennsylvania lawyers whose achievements have distinguished them among their peers