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Archdiocese appoints Kunkel as its top lawyer

The Archdiocese of Chicago has appointed William R. Kunkel as its general counsel.

Kunkel previously served as executive vice president-legal and general counsel of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and as a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. He also serves on the board of directors of American Equity and as chairman of the board's Risk Committee.

“Bill's impressive background and reputation in the corporate sector is but one of his many assets; he is also a product of Catholic education in Chicago and has carried this foundation through his family life and considerable service to the community.” Archbishop Blase J. Cupich said in a news release.

Kunkel began his legal career in 1981 and worked as a corporate attorney and partner at Skadden, Arps from 1984 until his retirement in 2012. For more than 25 years, his practice concentrated largely on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and other corporate governance and securities matters.

During his three years at American Equity, Kunkel was part of the senior executive team of the NYSE-listed insurance holding company with over $53 billion in assets and responsible for all legal, compliance and regulatory matters.

“This is a very exciting time in the mission of the archdiocese and I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I look forward to working with the excellent team of lawyers and staff at the Archdiocese,” said Kunkel.

A native of La Grange, Kunkel graduated from Harvard Law School, where he served as editor-in-chief of the Harvard Environmental Law Review. He graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep. Kunkel and his wife are parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Parish in La Grange.

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