Robert Cipolla > McGuireWoods LLP > Charlotte, United States > Lawyer Profile

Counting financial institutions and private equity firms among its key clients, McGuireWoods LLP’s tax and employee benefits group is highly specialized at handling high-value M&A and ESOP transaction, as well as having notable expertise in providing counsel on foreign law compliance in implementing global stock compensation plans, along with solving special problems involving plans for collectively bargained employees. Taylor Wedge French co-heads the team from Charlotte, focusing on representing boards of directors and compensation committees in negotiating and drafting employment and severance agreements, while co-head, Gerald Thomas operates out of Atlanta. Virginia-based Robert Cipolla concentrates on health and welfare plans, and Robert Wynne is also noted. William Tysse retired from the practice in December 2022.

McGuireWoods LLP, a ‘knowledgeable’ team of the ‘highest caliber’, is experienced in handling issues related to the design, implementation and maintenance of equity-based and performance-based incentive compensation plans. These arrangements include omnibus incentive plans, stock option plans and stock ownership plans, among others. Taylor French, active in the firm’s North Carolina office, uses his ‘in-depth experience’ to help clients with an array of traditional executive compensation and employee benefits matters. Richmond’s Robert Cipolla primarily focuses on qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, executive compensation and other related benefits matters. Chicago-based Carolyn Trenda is vastly experienced in designing and assisting clients with the ongoing administration of tax-qualified retirement plans.  Charlotte’s Allison Tanner, who focuses on advising employers on the legal aspects of employee benefit and executive compensation matters arising under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, was promoted to partner in 2022, while Richmond’s Robert Wynne, whose practice includes all aspects of executive compensation and employee benefits law.