Based in New York team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton handles noteworthy M&A, often including a cross-border element, and counts public and private companies, private equity and alternative asset management firms among its roster of clients. The group recently represented American Tower in its $10.1bn acquisition of CoreSite and elsewhere, advised GlobalFoundries on the executive compensation, employee benefit plans and elements of its IPO. Michael Albano, who has experience in acting for a range of clients in high-profile M&A, jointly leads the practice alongside Audry Casusol, who joined the firm in February 2021 from Sidley Austin LLP, while Robert Raymond retired in June 2021. Counsel Mary Alcock advises financial institutions on issues relating to pension funds, in addition to disclosure mandates, while counsel Laura Bagarella handles equity-based compensation and incentive arrangements.
Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional in United States
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Practice head(s):
Michael Albano; Audry Casusol
Other key lawyers:
Mary Alcock; Laura Bagarella
Key clients
Alphabet/Google
Allied Universal
American Tower
ArcelorMittal
Artius
Atlantic Power
Brookfield
CBC Group
dMY Technology Group
GlobalFoundries
International Flavors & Fragrances
International Seaways
Johnson Controls
OpenText
Sysco
TPG
Voya Financial
Work highlights
- Representing GlobalFoundries in its IPO, advising on all aspects of its executive compensation, employee benefit plans and programs and related disclosure obligations, including equity and non-equity incentive plans, employment agreements, non-qualified deferred compensation plans and programs, and other executive benefit programs.
- Representing Brookfield Business Partners L.P. in its pending $5.8bn acquisition of Scientific Games Corporation’s global lottery services and technology business.
- Representing American Tower in its $10.1bn acquisition of CoreSite Realty Corporation.
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
The ‘knowledgeable and dependable’ practice at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP acts for its stellar roster of clients, including Disney, Amazon and Thermo Fisher Scientific, among others, in high-end M&A, as well as IPOs. Praised as ‘always on the ball’, the team has demonstrable experience assisting clients in the technology, energy, entertainment, retail and pharmaceutical sectors. Led by Eric Hilfers, the team is well-placed to handle interrelated securities, public disclosure, corporate governance and tax-related issues. Jonathan Katz is a key member of the group and advised Robinhood in its $1.9bn IPO. Jennifer Conway left the firm in January 2022, while Matthew Bobby was promoted to partner in January 2021 and advises on incentive compensation arrangements, as well as executive employment and separation agreements. All mentioned attorneys are based in New York.
Practice head(s):
Eric Hilfers
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Katz; Matthew Bobby
Testimonials
‘The team is very responsive, always on the ball, knowledgeable and comes across as in control.’
‘Exceptional client service.’
‘Cravath has a knowledgeable and dependable executive compensation and benefits practice. They handle all of our exec comp legal needs, quickly and accurately.’
Key clients
AerCap
Afterpay
Amazon
Ashland
Daily Mail
Disney
IBM
Lindsay Goldberg
Robinhood
Scientific Games
Swvl
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Work highlights
- Advising Amazon in its $8.45bn acquisition of MGM Studios.
- Advising Robinhood in its $1.9bn IPO.
- Advising Swvl in its $1.5bn SPAC combination with Queen’s Gambit.
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP advises financial institutions, private equity firms and domestic and multinational public companies on the full spectrum of executive compensation and employee benefits matters. The team, which has demonstrable experience in high value M&A, IPOs, spin-offs and bankruptcies, benefitted from the January 2022 arrival Jennifer Conway from Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. Jeffrey Crandall leads the group and is noted for his expertise in both public and private transactional work, while Kyoko Takahashi Lin advises boards, compensation committees and individual executives on equity-based incentives, deferred compensation and other compensatory arrangements. Veronica Wissel focuses on compensation and benefits issues relating to M&A and securities transactions, while Washington DC-based Adam Kaminsky acts for portfolio companies on the executive compensation aspects of private equity matters. Travis Triano, who was promoted to partner in July 2021, is another key member of the team. All named attorneys are based in New York unless otherwise stated.
Practice head(s):
Jeffrey Crandall
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Conway; Kyoko Takahashi Lin; Veronica Wissel; Adam Kaminsky; Travis Triano
Key clients
Baker Hughes
Clarivate
Emerson Electric
IHS Markit
Morgan Stanley
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Raytheon
Roper Technologies
Charles Schwab Corporation
State Street Corporation
Texas Instruments
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
The ‘book-smart and street-smart‘ team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP advises its impressive roster of clients on the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of top tier M&A, such as representing Discovery in its $130bn acquisition of WarnerMedia from AT&T. Jonathan Lewis leads the practice and notably acts for clients across the private equity, healthcare and insurance sectors, while market leader Lawrence Cagney assists financial services clients and investment funds with ERISA fiduciary responsibility matters. Meir Katz handles executive compensation and employee benefits issues arising out of M&A and securities offerings, and tax specialist Franklin Mitchell advises investment fund sponsors on ERISA issues. Recently promoted partners Michael Snypes and Washington DC-based Simone Hicks are also key members of the team. All named attorneys are based in the firm’s New York office, unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Lewis
Other key lawyers:
Lawrence Cagney; Meir Katz; Franklin Mitchell; Michael Snypes; Simone Hicks
Testimonials
‘Debevoise attorneys not only work well with each other, but work well with their clients. This collaboration is critical on large or complex matters.’
‘User-friendly attorneys who are both book-smart and street-smart.’
Key clients
The Carlyle Group
Global Atlantic Financial Group
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Gogo
agilon health
Verizon Communications
Domtar Corporation
Third Point Reinsurance Ltd.
JAB Holdings B.V.
D.E. Shaw & Co.
The Walt Disney Company
TPG Capital
Morgan Stanley Capital Partners
Prudential Financial
Elliott Management Corporation
Discovery Communications, Inc.
The International Paper Company
HCA Healthcare
Schneider Electric
DoubleVerify
Kelso & Company
Work highlights
- Advising Discovery in its $130bn acquisition of WarnerMedia from AT&T.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Noted for its expertise in the oil and gas, energy and technology sectors, Kirkland & Ellis LLP acts for public and private companies, as well as private equity funds, in high value M&A transactions, restructuring mandates and Chapter 11 cases. Key clients include NortonLifeLock, Thoma Bravo and Bristol Myers Squibb Company, among others. New York-based Scott Price advises clients on the executive compensation aspects of domestic and international mergers, in addition to representing executives and management teams in negotiating incentive compensation arrangements. In the firm’s Chicago office, Alexandra Mihalas focuses on ERISA issues arising out of acquisitions and sales by private equity funds, while Michael Falk handles defined benefit, deferred compensation and equity plans. Matthew Antinossi, who is also based in Chicago, has experience in ESOP transactions and advises on ERISA Title IV issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Alexandra Mihalas; Matthew Antinossi
Key clients
Agiliti Inc.
Antylia Scientific
Bain Capital
Black Rifle Coffee Company
Bristol Myers Squibb
Butterfly
Callon Petroleum
Centerbridge Partners, L.P.
Chesapeake Energy Corporation
Clearlake Capital Group, L.P.
Cushman & Wakefield
Donuts, Inc.
Durational Capital Management LP
Eli Lilly
FinServ Acquisition Corp.
Gulfport Energy
Industrial Growth Partners
Insignia Capital Group
Instructure
J&J Ventures Gaming LLC
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
L Catterton
LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
Maravai Life Sciences Inc.
McDermott
McDonald’s Corporation
New Mountain Capital, LLC
Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
NortonLifeLock
Olympus Partners
Pritzker Private Capital
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company
Shoals Technologies Inc.
SK Capital Partners
Thoma Bravo
Trinseo
Twilio
Vine Energy
Vista Equity Partners
Wheels, Inc.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP counts public and private companies, financial institutions and private equity firms among its key list of clients. The bicoastal team has demonstrable capability in handling the employee benefits and executive compensations aspects of high-profile M&A, as well as IPOs. In the firm’s New York office, Bradd Williamson leads the team and frequently advises on equity and incentive compensation plans, while Los Angeles-based Laurence Seymour handles deferred compensation and golden parachute issues. ‘Top-notch executive compensation attorney’ James Metz, who operates from the Silicon Valley office, advised Airbnb in its $3.4bn IPO, and New York-based Austin Ozawa regularly acts for private equity funds, including Odyssey Investment Partners and Leonard Green & Partners. In Los Angeles, Michelle Carpenter advises on executive compensation arrangements and Washington DC-based David Della Rocca is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Bradd Williamson
Other key lawyers:
Laurence Seymour; James Metz; Austin Ozawa; Michelle Carpenter; David Della Rocca
Testimonials
‘James Metz is a top-notch executive compensation attorney. Responsive, creative, great depth of knowledge in a complicated area.’
Key clients
AMD
Airbnb
Grail
HMS
Hyundai Motor Group
NVIDIA
Realty Income Corporation
Siemens Healthineers
Slack Technologies
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Leonard Green & Partners
Odyssey Investment Partners
Illinois Tool Works
Aon
Rent the Runway
Vivid Seats
Endeavor Group Holdings
Authentic Brands
Oscar Health
Inovalon Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised AMD with respect to the compensation and benefits aspects of its $35bn acquisition of Xilinx.
- Advised Airbnb with respect to the compensation and benefits aspects of its $3.4bn IPO.
- Advised Slack Technologies with respect to the compensation and benefits aspects of its $27.7bn sale to Salesforce.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Counting notable companies such as IBM, Apollo and MGM among its key roster of clients, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP’s workload includes high-end M&A and IPOs, in addition to CEO succession mandates. The team is well-placed to advise on tax, securities and corporate issues relating to deferred compensation and equity-based pay plans. The team benefits from the leadership of Jean McLoughlin, who is the practice’s go-to advisor for public companies and is noted for her expertise in senior leadership succession matters. Lawrence Witdorchic, who also co-chairs the executive compensation group, and Jarrett Hoffman act for private equity funds and publicly held corporations. All named attorneys are based in New York. Former co-chair Andrew L. Gaines left the firm in June 2022.
Practice head(s):
Jean McLoughlin; Lawrence Witdorchic
Other key lawyers:
Jarrett Hoffman
Key clients
Apollo Global Management
Berkshire Partners
Chevron Corporation
CLEAR Secure
Conair Corporation
D1 Capital Partners
Driven Brands
European Wax Center
General Atlantic
General Electric Company
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
IBM
IG Group
Inspire Brands
Kohlberg & Co.
KPS Capital Partners
Lehigh Hanson
Magnachip
MGM
Nuance Communications
NuOrder
Oak Hill Capital
Perspecta
QAD Inc.
QTS Realty Trust
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s expertise in the private equity space continues, with the team praised for its ‘excellent and pragmatic advice’ to private equity funds and their portfolio companies, as well as some of the firm’s corporate clients, on the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of high-end M&A and IPOs. Brian Robbins leads the practice and regularly handles ERISA Title 1 issues, while Laurence Moss focuses on leveraged buyout transactions. Gregory Grogan recently represented Microsoft in its pending $19.7bn acquisition of Nuance Communications, and David Rubinsky advises private equity investors and the management teams of their portfolio companies on equity compensation arrangements. Jeannine McSweeney acts for clients across the financial services, technology and healthcare sectors on a range of executive compensation and employee benefit arrangements, and Andrew Blau handles equity and deferred compensation plans, as well as tax and securities-related issues. Palo Alto-based Tristan Brown notably advises private equity funds, including Silver Lake Partners and KKR, in M&A deals. Named attorneys operate from the firm’s New York office unless otherwise stated.
Practice head(s):
Brian Robbins
Other key lawyers:
Laurence Moss; Gregory Grogan; David Rubinsky; Jeannine McSweeney; Andrew Blau; Tristan Brown
Testimonials
‘The team provides excellent and pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
AEA Investors
Alibaba Group
American Family Insurance
AMP Capital
Ant Financial
Apax Partners
The Blackstone Group
BlackRock LTPC
BMC Stock Holdings
BorgWarner
BrightView
The Carlyle Group
CBRE
Centerbridge Partners
CorePoint Lodging
Corsair Capital
Daiichi-Sankyo
Dell Technologies
Dorman Products
EQT Partners
First Reserve Corporation
Garda World
GI Partners
Grocery Outlet
Harsco
Hellman & Friedman
Hilton Grand Vacations
Hilton Worldwide
Ingersoll Rand
Johnson Controls
JPMorgan Chase
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR)
KSL Partners
Laureate Education
Lightyear Capital
Lindsay Goldberg
Mars, Incorporated
Masonite
Mass Mutual
Melrose Industries
Meridian Capital
Microsoft Corporation
Nielsen Holdings
NN, Inc.
Northwood Investors
Owen & Minor
Palladium Equity Partners
Patricia Industries
People’s United Bank
PetSmart
PPD, Inc.
PPL Corporation
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.
Silver Lake Partners
Sony Capital
Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners
StonePoint Capital
Teleflex Inc.
Toronto Dominion Bank
TPG Sixth Street Partners
USAA
US Bank
Vivint Smarthome
Vivint Solar
Walgreens
Weight Watchers
Yaego Corporation
Work highlights
- Represented Blackstone, Carlyle and Hellman & Friedman in connection with their majority investment in Medline Industries, Inc.
- Representing PPD in its entry into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
- Representing a major dating app in an IPO, approximately valuing at $2.5bn.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Counting public and public companies, and financial institutions among its key list of clients, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has demonstrable capability in handling the employee benefits and executive compensations aspects of M&A, spin-offs, IPOs, in addition to private equity and leveraged buyout transactions. Global practice head Regina Olshan is well-versed in matters involving deferred compensation agreements and golden parachute arrangements, as well as securities and tax-related issues. Palo Alto-based Joseph Yaffe is a key name on the West Coast and focuses on the executive compensation considerations of M&A in the technology sector, while Erica Schohn advises clients across the pharmaceutical, financial services and energy sectors on section 409A matters. Elsewhere, Joseph Penko handles severance agreements, retention plans, equity-based incentive programs and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. All named attorneys are based in New York unless otherwise stated.
Practice head(s):
Regina Olshan
Other key lawyers:
Joseph Yaffe; Erica Schohn; Joseph Penko
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is noted for its transactional capability when advising public and private companies on the executive compensation and employe benefits aspects of M&A deals, IPOs and restructuring mandates. Key contacts in the New York-based team include Jeannemarie O’Brien, Adam Shapiro and Andrea Wahlquist.
Other key lawyers:
Jeannemarie O’Brien; Adam Shapiro; Andrea Wahlquist
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Praised for its ‘strong executive compensation practice, particularly in the private equity space’, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’s stellar workload includes high-end M&A and private equity transactions. Also noted for its capability in handling a broad range of employee benefit issues, the New York-based team is led by Paul Wessel, who has deep experience advising public companies on compensation matters relating to IPOs, bankruptcies and restructurings. ‘Emerging as a leader in this space’, Amy Rubin is a key member of the group and advised Gores Guggenheim in its $20bn merger with Polestar Performance AB. Michael Nissan is the go-to contact for private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, including Advent International and Blackstone, while Sarah Downie advises senior executives and public companies on matters relating to severance agreements. Aimee Adler, who joined from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in September 2021, is a ‘great addition to the team’.
Practice head(s):
Paul Wessel
Other key lawyers:
Amy Rubin; Michael Nissan; Sarah Downie; Aimee Adler; Jennifer Britz
Testimonials
‘Weil has a strong executive compensation practice, particularly in the private equity space.’
‘Aimee Adler is a great addition to the team. Amy Rubin is emerging as a leader in this space.’
Key clients
24 Hour Fitness Worldwide Inc.
Advent International Corporation
Allego Holding B.V.
American Securities
Ardian
Bain Capital Private Equity
Berkshire Partners
Blackstone
Briggs & Stratton
Brooks Brothers Group, Inc.
Cardtronics
ChargePoint, Inc.
Churchill Capital Group
Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.
Cornell Capital
CVC Capital Partners
Eli Lilly and Company
EO Charging
Eurazeo
Exide Holdings, Inc.
Fortress Investment Group
Front Yard Residential Corporation
Genstar Capital
Work highlights
- Advising MSP Recovery, LLC in its $32.6bn merger with Lionheart Acquisition Corp. II.
- Advising Gores Guggenheim, Inc. in its pending $20bn business combination with Polestar Performance AB (Sweden).
- Advising MGM Resorts International (MGM Resorts) in the pending acquisition of MGM Growth Properties LLC (MGP) by VICI Properties Inc.
Baker McKenzie LLP
The employee benefits and executive compensation team at Baker McKenzie LLP is well-placed to leverage the firm’s global presence, when advising domestic and international public and private companies in cross-border M&A, spin-offs and IPOs. Key clients include ExtraHop, ForeScout Technologies and ServiceNow, among others. A recent work highlight includes advising a SPAC on its $6.9bn de-SPAC transaction to transform digital homeownership corporation, Better, into a publicly traded company. This matter is being led by Palo Alto-based Thomas Asmar, who also advises on incentive and deferred compensation plans, as well as severance agreements. In the firm’s San Francisco office, both Barbara Klementz, who chairs the practice, and Denise Glagau focus on equity compensation issues.
Practice head(s):
Barbara Klementz
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Asmar; Denise Glagau
Key clients
Altimeter Growth Capital
ExtraHop
BetterHoldCo
ForeScout Technologies
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
LiveRamp
SolarWinds Corporation
ServiceNow
Work highlights
- Advising ExtraHop in the treatment of outstanding stock options in the acquisition by Bain Capital Private Equity and Crosspoint Capital Partners, in a $900m strategic transaction.
- Advising a SPAC in a de-SPAC transaction to transform Better into a publicly traded company.
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP acts for private equity firms, as well as public and private companies across the healthcare, logistics, technology and financial services sectors, on a range of high-end transactions. The practice group counts AEA Investors, Onex Corporation and RedBall Acquisition among its key roster of clients. The New York-based team is led by Jeffrey Ross, who advises standalone and institutional hedge funds, and alternative asset managers, on structuring and compliance matters. Jason Ertel handles 409A and 457A deferred compensation mandates, while Amy Blackman advises clients on the employee benefits aspects of M&A transactions, and Donald Carleen is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Jeffrey Ross
Other key lawyers:
Jason Ertel; Amy Blackman; Donald Carleen
Testimonials
‘Exceptional service, consistently provides sound legal advice, taking into account commercial and practical considerations. A go-to team for challenging issues requiring not only legal expertise but problem solving.’
‘Quick turnaround times and easily accessible.’
‘Jeffrey Ross and his team are outstanding. They provide well-reasoned legal advice and most importantly, offer solutions and alternatives to consider when dealing with a thorny legal issue. Extremely adept at tackling difficult and challenging legal questions.’
Key clients
First American Payment Systems
Permira Advisers
AEA Investors
Humana
Onex Corporation
ImmunityBio
Tradeweb Markets
ProQuest LLC
Blue Yonder / New Mountain / Blackstone
CVC Capital Partners
Ascential
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Extended Stay America, Inc.
Jacobs Engineering Group
Special Committee of the Board of Directors of At Home Group
W.R. Grace & Co.
Catalent, Inc.
Aptos, Inc.
RedBall Acquisition
Work highlights
- Advising First American Payment Systems in its acquisition by Deluxe Corp. from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board and Stella Point Capital.
- Advising a buyer consortium including Permira, Advent International Corporation, Crosspoint Capital partners, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, GIC Private Limited, and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, in the $14bn acquisition of McAfee Corporation.
- Advising ProQuest in its acquisition by Clarivate from a sellers group led by Cambridge Information Group.
Hogan Lovells US LLP
Noted for its expertise in the TMT, REIT and real estate, and retail sectors, Hogan Lovells US LLP advises handles high-value M&A and spin-off transactions. Counting Dell, PVH Corp. and VICI Properties among its key roster of clients, the group is also well-placed to leverage the firm’s global presence to handle cross-border mandates. Praised by one client as ‘one of the finest employment benefits lawyers on the planet’, Washington DC-based Kurt Lawson leads the practice alongside Martha Steinman in New York, who acts for boards of directors, compensation committees and senior management, and Silicon Valley-based Michael Frank, who focuses on M&A arising out of the technology sector.
Practice head(s):
Michael Frank; Kurt Lawson; Martha Steinman
Other key lawyers:
Carin Carithers; Meg McIntyre
Testimonials
‘Kurt Lawson is one of the finest employment benefits lawyers on the planet.’
Key clients
VICI Properties
Kite Realty Group Trust
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Arm Limited
Marvell Technology Group
QTS Realty Trust
Dell
Melody Capital Partners
Syncreon
Tyson Foods
FLIR Systems
WSP Global
Roku
GP Strategies
PVH
Walmart
Bridgestone Americas
Skywater Technology
Transurban
NextNav
Arcturus UAV
PPG Industries
Maximus
American Robotics
Work highlights
- Advised VICI Properties on its $17.2bn strategic acquisition of MGM Growth Properties LLC (MGP).
- Advised Kite Realty Group Trust on its merger transaction with Retail Properties of America, with a enterprise value of approximately $7.5bn.
- Advised Lockheed Martin on its $4.4bn acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne.
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Widely recognized in the ESOP space, the team at McDermott Will & Emery LLP has demonstrable experience in advising private equity firms and their portfolio companies, as well as financial services and healthcare-sector clients on M&A and leveraged buyout transactions. Key clients include Kaiser Aluminum, Novant Health and Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, among others. In Boston, global head Andrew Liazos focuses on executive compensation and ERISA fiduciary issues, while ‘terrific’ Erin Turley and Allison Wilkerson, who both operate from the firm’s Dallas office, advise on pension and 401(k) plans, in addition to ESOPs. Based in Chicago, Todd Solomon, who is noted for his experience in ERISA Title 1 issues, handles deferred compensation arrangements, and Diane Morgenthaler focuses on the employee benefits aspects acquisitions and divestitures.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Liazos
Other key lawyers:
Erin Turley; Allison Wilkerson; Todd Solomon; Diane Morgenthaler
Testimonials
‘The team is nationally recognized in the ESOP space. They’ve handled all different types of transactions with varying degrees of complexity.’
‘Erin Turley was terrific. We had a very aggressive schedule with difficult parties. She was able to help navigate our transaction to a successful completion, on time and within budget.’
Key clients
Allscripts Healthcare Solutions
Diamondback Energy
Ericsson
Guggenheim Partners
Hidden Harbor Capital Partners
H.I.G. Capital
Kaiser Aluminum
Millennium Management
Novant Health
Trinity Industries
Work highlights
- Advised Kaiser Aluminum on the employee benefits aspects of its acquisition of a division from Alcoa Corporation.
- Advised on a reverse merger transaction for a pharmaceutical company.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP routinely acts for management teams and senior executives in high-end M&A, and also counts multinational public companies across the technology, financial services, energy, healthcare and retail sectors, among its key roster of clients. Based in New York, Gary Rothstein is noted for his experience in the private equity space, as well as representing senior management teams, particularly in the technology sector, in IPOs. In the firm’s Philadelphia office, David Zelikoff handles private equity buyout transactions and Robert Lichtenstein advises on equity and compensation arrangement issues, while Washington DC-based Patrick Rehfield focuses on employee fringe benefits matters. Randall McGeorge, who operates from the firm’s Pittsburgh office, and Boston-based associate Ryan Montgomery, are also key members of the team.
Practice head(s):
Gary Rothstein
Other key lawyers:
David Zelikoff; Robert Lichtenstein; Patrick Rehfield; Randall McGeorge; Ryan Montgomery
Testimonials
‘David Zelikoff is very knowledgeable and thorough.’
Key clients
Management team of McAfee
23andMe, Inc.
Ellucian management group
CompoSecure LLC
Oxford Global Resources
Management group of Brinker Capital
Management team of Hayward Industries
Glatfelter
Platinum Equity Capital Partners
Honeywell International
Work highlights
- Represented the senior management team of McAfee in the company’s $8.6bn IPO.
- Represented 23andMe as it transitioned to becoming a public company through merger with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC).
- Represented the management team of Ellucian in the company’s sale to Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners.
Proskauer Rose LLP
The team at Proskauer Rose LLP acts for public companies, private equity firms and C-suite executives across the retail, financial services, food and beverage, entertainment and technology sectors in M&A and IPOs. Andrea Rattner handles a broad range of matters, including golden parachute issues, equity-based compensation and retention plans, as well as severance agreements, while Ira Bogner is noted for his expertise in ERISA fiduciary mandates. Elsewhere, Los Angeles-based Colleen Hart focuses on securities and tax-related work, and Michael Album advises on compensation and equity arrangements. The team, for which Paul Hamburger is a key contact, welcomed David Teigman from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP in September 2021, while Joshua Miller departed in March 2021. All named attorneys are based in New York, unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Andrea Rattner; Ira Bogner; Colleen Hart; Michael Album; David Teigman
Ropes & Gray LLP
Noted for its stellar expertise in the life sciences, healthcare and financial services sectors, the team at Ropes & Gray LLP acts for private equity firms and public companies in high-end M&A, such as advising a leading biotech company in the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of its $11.5bn sale to a major competitor.. In the firm’s Boston office, practice co-leader Loretta Richard focuses on ESOP transactions, while fellow co-leader Renata Ferrari has considerable experience in handling the executive compensation, disclosure and shareholder-related aspects of IPOs. Based in New York, Alexandra Alperovich advises private equity firms, such as Harvest Partners, in high value acquisitions, while Joshua Lichtenstein specializes in ERISA Title 1 mandates. Jennifer Rikoski is another key member of the team and operates from the firm’s office in Boston.
Practice head(s):
Loretta Richard; Renata Ferrari
Other key lawyers:
Alexandra Alperovich; Joshua Lichtenstein; Jennifer Rikoski
Key clients
TPG Capital
Bain Capital
American Industrial Partners
iCapital Network
New Mountain Capital
Long Point Capital
Harvest Partners
Echo Street Capital Management
Tribune Media Company
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
The TJX Companies
New York University
Silver Lake Partners
Advent International
Genstar Capital
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals
Work highlights
- Represented a leading biotech company in the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of its $11.5bn sale to a major competitor.
- Represented New Mountain Capital and its portfolio company, Ciox Health, in the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of the $7bn merger with Datavant and a simultaneous preferred equity raise.
- Advised an investment bank and its affiliates on ERISA matters relating to the successful fundraise of a special situations fund.
Shearman & Sterling LLP
Shearman & Sterling LLP fields a team of ‘practical problem solvers’, who have demonstrable experience in handling the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of high-end M&A transactions and IPOs, which often involve international elements. The firm counts ViacomCBS, Fenway Sports Group and TELUS International among its key list of clients. Doreen Lilienfeld leads the team and advises clients on a range of compensation issues arising out corporate transactions, such as representing Hitachi in its $9.5bn acquisition of GlobalLogic Inc. ‘Skilled M&A advisor’ John Cannon assists start-up companies in the biotechnology sector on compensation matters and management teams in private equity transactions, while Gillian Emmett Moldowan advises on equity-based incentives, deferred compensation programs, as well as retention and severance arrangements. All named attorneys are based in the firm’s New York office.
Practice head(s):
Doreen Lilienfeld
Other key lawyers:
John Cannon; Gillian Emmett Moldowan
Testimonials
‘Excellent client service and knowledge. Practical problem solvers.’
‘John Cannon is tremendously experienced in challenging senior executive employment matters. A skilled M&A advisor in employee benefits-related matters.’
Key clients
Bakkt Holdings
Hitachi
Qualtrics International
SAP SE
Fenway Sports Group
Ardagh Group
ViacomCBS
TELUS International
Greenidge Generation Holdings
Microvast
Aegion
Mubadala Investment Company
Lanxess
Texas Instruments
Vontier
Boston Scientific
Pierpont Capital Holdings LLC
Stone Point LLC
General Atlantic LLC
Amherst Holdings LLC
Work highlights
- Advised Hitachi in its $9.5bn acquisition of GlobalLogic Inc.
- Advised Fenway Sports Group, LLC (FSG) in an investment in FSG by RedBird Capital Partners (RedBird).
- Advised Qualtrics International Inc. in its carve out of Qualtrics from SAP, and Qualtrics’ IPO and acquisition of Clarabridge, Inc.
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Noted for its expertise in executive compensation matters, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP‘s workload includes top-tier M&A, IPOs and leveraged buyout transactions. In the firm’s New York office, key contacts include Marc Trevino and Matthew Friestedt.
Other key lawyers:
Marc Trevino; Matthew Friestedt
Work highlights
Goodwin
Counting IPOs, M&A and fund structuring mandates in its workload, Goodwin acts for public and private clients across the technology, life sciences, private equity and food and beverages sectors. In Washington DC, Patrick Menasco jointly leads the team alongside Boston-based James Mattus, both of whom have experience in ERISA Title 1 matters. In the firm’s Silicon Valley office, Lynda Galligan’s expertise is demonstrated by her advice to Slack on the executive compensation aspects of its $27.7bn sale to Salesforce. The team welcomed Silicon Valley-based Cisco Palao-Ricketts in May 2021, who previously led the employee benefits and executive compensation practice at DLA Piper LLP (US), and San Fransisco-based Heather Brookfield from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in June 2021.
Practice head(s):
Patrick Menasco; James Mattus
Other key lawyers:
Lynda Galligan; Cisco Palao-Ricketts; Heather Brookfield
Testimonials
‘Great people and teamwork. They get on and that reflects in the advice provided. Very responsive and provide nuanced advice that is tailored to the business.’
Key clients
Cerevel Therapeutics
Charlesbank Capital Partners
Freshly
GeneWerk Holding
LaunchPoint Ventures, LLC
ModernaTX, Inc.
MyoKardia, Inc.
Slack Technologies
TA Associates
Thrive Earlier Detection
Work highlights
- Advised an investment company in acquiring the title to Dulles Town Center Mall in Sterling Virginia, through a Deed-In-Lieu of Foreclosure from its borrower, a joint venture between Lerner Enterprises LLC and Connecticut General Life Insurance Corp.
- Advised Slack in its $27.7bn sale to Salesforce.
- Advised a software company in its definitive agreement to be acquired by Adobe for $1.5bn.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Praised for assisting its roster of clients ‘during high-stakes M&A situations’, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP’s notable expertise in the technology sector is demonstrated by the team’s advice to Local Bounti on its $1.1bn SPAC merger with Leo Holdings. Other key clients include Cisco Systems, Dave and Workday, Inc. In the firm’s San Francisco office, practice leader Juliano Banuelos and J.T. Ho advise public and private companies on executive compensation issues arising out of M&A, and Jason Flaherty focuses on executive employment and severance arrangements.
Practice head(s):
Juliano Banuelos
Other key lawyers:
J.T. Ho; Jason Flaherty
Testimonials
‘The team was highly responsive and helped us solve problems during high-stakes M&A situations.’
‘The qualities I value in the Orrick team is that they are top experts in their field, their depth and breadth of knowledge is beyond reproach, they communicate well not only with us as a client, but internally within their own teams and partner well together (seamless hand-off and consistent, regardless of which partner has or is working a deal).’
Key clients
Cisco Systems
Dave Inc.
Clover Health Inc.
SOC Telemed
Workday, Inc.
Local Bounti
Keysight Technologies
Varian Medical Systems
Warburg Pincus
Barclays
Oracle Corporation
Williams-Sonoma
Beyond Meat
Betterment
Starbucks Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Dave, Clover Health, and others on the compensation and benefits aspects of special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) mergers.
- Advised Workday on the compensation and benefits aspects of its definitive agreement to acquire Peakon ApS and Zimit.
Vinson & Elkins LLP
Vinson & Elkins LLP notably advises public and private companies across the oil and gas and energy sectors on the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of high value M&A. The team also continues to see an ever-increasing number of SPAC transactions, as well as REIT mandates, in its workload. Houston-based David D’Alessandro leads the practice and focuses on tax and securities-related issues arising from executive compensation arrangements. In the firm’s Dallas office, Brian Bloom advises public and private companies and tax-exempt employers across the energy, manufacturing and healthcare sectors, while Shane Tucker handles equity-based compensatory arrangements. Based in New York, Julia Petty was promoted to partner in January 2022, and is commended as a ‘leading expert in the executive compensation field’.
Practice head(s):
David D’Alessandro
Other key lawyers:
Brian Bloom; Shane Tucker; Julia Petty; Dario Mendoza
Testimonials
‘Brian Bloom and Julia Petty are fantastic. Very knowledgeable and responsive, and they take a practical approach to complicated matters.’
‘The Vinson & Elkins team (particularly Julia Petty) provides practical advice reflective of the business context. Julia never “over lawyers” the issue. Instead, she provides valuable guidance on the critical issues with a focus on completing the agreement/transaction in the desired time frame.’
‘Julia Petty is a leading expert in the executive compensation field. She takes a practical, business-oriented approach protecting the interests of the executive or client while recognising the importance of completing the transaction on a timely basis.’
Key clients
Woodside Energy, Ltd.
WPT Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust
BCP Raptor Holdco, LP
The Sinclair Companies
Compass Solar Group, LLC
Oasis Petroleum LLC
Enable Midstream Partners, LP
Independence Energy LLC
The Blackstone Group, L.P.
Parsley Energy, LLC
Hygo Energy Transition Ltd
Tinicum, Inc
Bonanza Creek Energy Inc
Frank’s International, LLC
EnCap Investments L.P
Liberty Oilfield Services LLC
comScore, Inc
Riordan, Lewis & Haden, Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented Woodside Petroleum Ltd in its approximate $30bn merger with BHP Group.
- Advised Enable Midstream in its $7.2bn merger with Energy Transfer.
White & Case LLP
Private equity firms take up a large portion of White & Case LLP’s client roster, and the team has demonstrable capability in high-end M&A , often involving a multi-jurisdictional element. Noted for its expertise in the technology, financial services and energy sectors, key clients include Sempra Energy, Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation and Hertz Corporation, where the group successfully advised the latter on the employee benefits aspects of its financial restructuring. In the firm’s New York office, practice leader Henrik Patel represents clients in public and private M&A deals, while Tal Marnin acts for private equity sponsors on management compensation issues relating to transactions. Silicon Valley-based Laura McDaniels joined the group from Baker Botts L.L.P. in July 2021.
Practice head(s):
Henrik Patel
Other key lawyers:
Tal Marnin; Laura McDaniels
Key clients
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.
Sempra Energy
Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation
Anthem Inc.
REE Automotive
Diamond S Shipping Inc.
CVC Capital Partners
Altria Group, Inc.
Harvest Partners
Cobepa S.A.
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
Schneider Electric Foundries LLC
Investcorp
Triton Partners
Dominus Capital LP
Work highlights
- Represented Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. and affiliates during Chapter 11 cases and restructuring.
- Represented Sempra Energy its $5.81bn acquisition of the remaining stake in Infraestructura Energética Nova SAB de CV, and its $3.37bn sale of a 20%t interest in Sempra Infrastructure Partners to KKR.
- Represented Macquarie Infrastructure Corp. and its related entities in the $4.475bn sale of Atlantic Aviation to KKR and the $514m sale of MIC Hawaii to Argo Infrastructure Partners, LP.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP frequently collaborates with the firm’s insurance and private equity practice groups to provide ‘the highest level of support and advice’ to clients in these respective sectors, on employee benefits and executive compensation issues arising out of M&A. Michael Katz , who ‘notably represents private equity investors’, as well as public companies and individual senior executives, jointly leads the New York team alongside Jordan Messinger, who advised on the employee benefits aspects of Genstar Capital’s $2.275 sale of ISS to Deutsche Börse. San Francisco-based Scott Thompson recently joined the practice from Venable LLP in November 2021.
Practice head(s):
Michael Katz; Jordan Messinger
Other key lawyers:
Scott Thompson
Testimonials
‘Michael Katz brought measured professionalism to our transaction, which was complicated and prolonged but resulted in a very successful outcome for all parties. Michael, who notably represents private equity investors, represented management in this case and did a very good job.’
‘The team is very good and provides the highest level of support and advice.’
‘Michael Katz leads the group and is a true head of the bar on ECB issues.’
Key clients
AdaptHealth Corp
Aquiline Capital Partners
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Digital Bridge Group, Inc.
Franklin Resources, Inc.
Gainline Capital Partners
Genstar Capital
HealthEquity, Inc.
Hudson’s Bay Company
Insight Partners
MetLife, Inc.
Mueller Industries, Inc.
RenaissanceRe Holdings
The Allstate Corporation
Take Two Interactive Corp.
Tenet Healthcare Corporation
Truist Financial Corporation
W.R. Berkley Corporation
Warburg Pincus
Xerox Holdings Corporation
Winston & Strawn LLP
Acting primarily for clients in the healthcare and food and beverage sectors, Winston & Strawn LLP is noted for its capability in handling the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of mid-market M&A. Practice co-leader Scott Landau focuses on advising private equity firms and public companies in acquisitions, and Jennifer Stadler handles issues pertaining to equity and incentive compensation plans. Associate Maria Kenny assists clients with severance plans and equity and compensation arrangements, and Chicago-based Bill Merten remains a key contact in the team. Unless stated otherwise, all named attorneys are based in the firm’s New York office. Nyron Persaud left the group in May 2021.
Practice head(s):
Scott Landau
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Stadler; Maria Kenny; Bill Merten
Key clients
Argand Partners
Brookfield Asset Management
Century Park Capital
DS Smith plc
Vistria Group, LP
Eos Partners
Guidehouse
Water Street Capital Partners
TreeHouse Foods
Danfoss
Work highlights
- Represented a medical equipment supplier in its $850m sale to STERIS.
Baker Botts L.L.P.
Baker Botts L.L.P. acts for clients across the energy sector, such as advising Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation on the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of its $17bn merger with Cimarex Energy Co., as well as the media and manufacturing industries, among others. Houston-based Gail Stewart co-leads the team and handles the employee benefits aspects of M&A and prohibited transactions, while New York-based Robin Melman advises public and private companies, boards of directors, compensation committees and CEOs. The team welcomed Jason Loden from now-defunct Thompson and Knight LLP in June 2021, joining the firm’s Dallas office, and Palo Alto-based special counsel Nicholas Frey from Fenwick & West LLP in October 2021, while Mark Bodron retired, and Laura McDaniels departed in August 2021.
Practice head(s):
Gail Stewart
Other key lawyers:
Robin Melman; Jason Loden; Nicholas Frey
Testimonials
‘Robin Melman is thorough and has a great understanding. She analyses an issue from all sides and gives practical advice.’
‘We worked with Robin Melman who was excellent. Knowledgeable, accessible and always looking out for the interests of the company.’
Key clients
Bristow Group Inc.
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation
Cactus
CenterPoint Energy
ConocoPhillips
CTF Development
Dream Finders Homes
Eagle Materials
Enlink Midstream / Enlink Midstream Partners
Frito-Lay North America
GCI Liberty
Golar LNG Partners
Hines Interests Limited Partnership
IBEW-NECA Southwestern Health & Benefit Fund
Insperity
Jones Energy II
Liberty Broadband Corporation
Liberty Latin America
Liberty Media Acquisition
Liberty Media Corporation
Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings
MGM Growth Properties
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Official Black Wall Street
Qurate Retail
Work highlights
- Advised Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation on the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of its $17bn merger with Cimarex Energy Co.
- Represented ConocoPhillips with respect to compensation and employee benefit plan issues arising in connection with the acquisition of Shell’s Permian assets for $9.5bn in cash.
- Advising CenterPoint Energy on the on the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of the $2.15bn sale of its Arkansas and Oklahoma natural gas businesses to Summit Utilities.
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP provides ‘practical and clear advice on ERISA issues’ relating to M&A and counts financial services companies, as well as investment managers, among its roster of key clients. Key clients include Morgan Stanley, BlackRock and Bank of America. Based in New York, James Frazier leads the practice and focuses on ERISA fiduciary compliance and prohibited transaction matters. Following the departure of David Teigman in September 2021, Washington DC-based partner Michael Bergmann shortly joined from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Practice head(s):
James Frazier
Other key lawyers:
Michael Bergmann
Testimonials
‘The people we work with are both extremely knowledgeable and approachable. Their advice is always correct and delivered in an understandable fashion.’
‘James Frazier really understands the intersection of ERISA, investment and business issues.’
‘Practical and clear advice on ERISA issues.’
Key clients
Bank of America
Hudson Executive Capital
Monocle Acquisition Corp.
Wells Fargo
The Howard Hughes Corporation
Ashford
Community Bank System
Morgan Stanley
Gresham Investment Management
AngioDynamics
Elliott Management
BlackRock
UBS
DLA Piper LLP (US)
DLA Piper LLP (US) frequently collaborates with the firm’s corporate practice to handle high-end transactions, as demonstrated by the team’s advice to Canadian pharmaceutical and cannabis company, Tilray, on its merger with Aphria. Practice leader Rita Patel, who works in the firm’s Washington DC office, led on this matter, while Chicago-based Richard Ashley has experience in handling benefits and compensation issues arising from transactions, including Code Sections 162(m), 280G and 409A compliance. Cisco Palao-Ricketts departed in June 2021 while San Diego-based Michelle Lara joined from Cooley LLP in April 2021. Erin Sweeney is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Richard Ashley; Michelle Lara; Erin Sweeney
Key clients
Pico Quantitative Trading Holdings
Halma Holdings, Inc.
Tilray
Bowlero Corporation
Caremax, Inc.
Groupe Danone
Square
Almanac Beer Co.
Mastercard Foundation
Spyglass Media Group
John Deere
Ecwid
Work highlights
- Represented Pico Quantitative Trading Holdings in connection with leading its $1.75bn merger with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).
- Advising Tilray on all executive compensation and benefits work in connection with the merger of Aphria.
- Advising a major telecoms company on secondary investments and investments in private equity and various asset classes, fund and transaction work and management level executive compensation.
Fenwick & West LLP
Counting emerging growth companies, start-ups and multinational corporations among its roster of clients, Fenwick & West LLP is noted for its transactional capability and expertise in the technology, life sciences and biotech sectors. Mountain View-based Shawn Lampron leads the team and advises clients on the equity compensation, benefit and ERISA aspects of M&A deals and securities offerings. Also in Mountain View, Gerald Audant has experience in 409A and 280G matters, while Nancy Chen handles equity-based compensation plans. Based in New York, Matthew Cantor focuses his practice on the executive compensation and employee benefit aspects of M&A and corporate mandates.
Practice head(s):
Shawn Lampron
Other key lawyers:
Gerald Audant; Nancy Chen; Matthew Cantor; Scott Spector
Key clients
AppLovin
Bill.com
Buzzfeed
Carta
Chegg
Cisco Systems
Coinbase Global
Compass
Dexcom
DocuSign
Fitbit
Gearbox Entertainment
Glu Mobile
Jam City
Nextdoor
NortonLifeLock
Nurix Therapeutics
OSIsoft
Passage Bio
Peloton Interactive
Proterra
Redfin
Smartsheet
Stripe
Twilio
Velo3D
Veracyte
Workday
ZipRecruiter
Work highlights
- Represented Cisco Systems in its $4.5bn acquisition of Acacia Communications.
- Represented Nextdoor in its $4.3bn merger with Khosla Ventures Acquisition Co.
- Represented a software company in its IPO of 10,400,000 shares of its Class A common stock to the public.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Praised for its ‘extraordinary knowledge combined with a great attitude’, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP acts for public and private companies, as well as individual executives, on employee benefits and executive compensations issues arising out of high value M&A, such as advising AstraZeneca in its $39bn acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals. This matter was led by New York-based Lori Goodman, who jointly leads the practice alongside Silicon Valley-based Maj Vaseghi, who is commended for her ‘great combination of deep subject matter expertise, practical, real-world guidance and experience’. New York-based associate Jordan Salzman is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Maj Vaseghi; Lori Goodman
Other key lawyers:
Jordan Salzman
Testimonials
‘Extraordinary knowledge combined with a great attitude. Service-orientated, great availability and capability to break down the complexity of an issue to the client for a better understanding.’
‘Maj Vaseghi is who we use for these matters and our main point of contact. Maj has a great combination of deep subject matter expertise, practical, real-world guidance and experience with a variety of clients to support this.’
‘Associate Jordan Salzman is excellent.’
‘I worked with Lori Goodman in a very complex situation, in connection with an IPO. She was very competent, with high availability and responsiveness.’
‘Maj Vaseghi is the best attorney I have ever worked with in the area of M&A executive compensation and benefits, and was exceptional in her support during a very complex M&A transaction. She was responsive, practical, level-headed and extremely effective in her representation of us, and she was able to unlock certain difficult situations/impasses in how she worked with buyer’s counsel.’
‘Practical minded, super-responsive and team members are among the best at the firm.’
Key clients
América Móvil
Universal Music Group
Cargill
Western Union
AstraZeneca
Axel Springer
Honeywell
Siemens
Cazoo
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Li-Cycle
Royal Caribbean Group
Ovation Travel Group
Spartronics
LANXESS
Stagwell Media
Zymergen
Sitel
Agilent
Work highlights
- Advised AstraZeneca in its acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Advised Universal Music Group in its separation from Vivendi SE and the listing of its share capital on Euronext Amsterdam.
- Advised Cargill on its take-private of Nasdaq-listed Sanderson Farms and the concurrent combination of Sanderson Farms with privately-held Wayne Farms.
Holland & Knight LLP
Holland & Knight LLP counts public and private companies, private equity firms, financial institutions and executive management teams among its roster of clients. The team is noted for its expertise in the healthcare, technology and energy sectors, and handles the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of M&A transactions. In the firm’s Miami office, practice leader Robert Friedman focuses on employee benefits issues and ERISA fiduciary matters, as well as pension and tax planning.
Practice head(s):
Robert Friedman
Other key lawyers:
John Martini
Testimonials
‘High level and depth of expertise. A collegial and friendly team.’
‘John Martini is an expert in his field. A great leader, good partnership with clients, level headed, even keel and an excellent advocate for his clients.’
‘Deep knowledge and experience in public company executive compensation and general benefits work. Collaborative, responsive and insightful.’
‘They are always available and responsive. They also seek to find a business-focused solution to a problem.’
Key clients
Aetna
Allergan/AbbVie
Becton Dickinson
City Pipe & Supply Corp.
Clarivate
Merck
Net eSolutions Corporation
Smartronix
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP’s workload includes high-end M&A arising out of the financial services, real estate, hospitality and energy sectors, where the team advises both public and private companies on a range of executive compensation and employee benefits issues. The practice is also noted for its capability in ESOP transactions. In the firm’s Austin office, practice co-leader Anthony Eppert advises on section 409A issues, while Dallas-based Scott Austin focuses on the employee benefits aspects of corporate transactions, as well as ERISA fiduciary compliance matters.
Practice head(s):
Anthony Eppert; Scott Austin
Key clients
Capstead Mortgage Corporation
CRB Group, Inc.
Dana Incorporated
Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Evan Stone (Double Bottomline)
Finance of America Equity Capital LLC
GAINSCO
Happy Bancshares, Inc.
Hilcorp Energy Company
IES Holdings, Inc.
MV Transportation
Newlake Capital Partners Inc.
NuStar Energy L.P.
Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC
Patrinely Group, LLC
Performance Food Group Company
Special Committee of Pure Acquisition Corp.
Spirit of Texas, SSB
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation
SPB Hospitality LLC
Stakeholder Midstream
Sunlight Financial, LLC
Vopak Americas (Royal Vopak)
Work highlights
- Represented Sunlight Financial LLC in its merger with Spartan Acquisition Corp. II.
- Advised Capstead Mortgage Corp. in its merger with Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc.
- Represented NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. in its sale to GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.
Jones Day
Counting multinational manufacturing companies among its key list of clients, Jones Day’s ‘truly remarkable‘ employee benefits and executive compensation team has demonstrable capability in handling M&A and financing matters. In the firm’s New York office, practice co-leader Eric Mosier advises clients on the employee benefits aspects of M&A, as well as acting for private equity funds in leveraged buyout transactions. Elsewhere, Cleveland-based Patricia Eschbach-Hall is noted for her experience in cross-border employee-related issues.
Practice head(s):
Eric Mosier
Other key lawyers:
Patricia Eschbach-Hall
Testimonials
‘The expertise of the team is truly remarkable and they are great to work with. The team takes complex concepts and break them apart succinctly and propose effective and innovative solutions. They have been so effective that we’ve tried to steer as much work as possible to the team. They are also very organised and timely in managing the many projects we give them.’
Key clients
Reynolds American, Inc.
OGE Energy
Timken Company
Peabody Energy Corporation
Conagra Brands, Inc.
Cleveland-Cliffs
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Skyworks Solutions
Astellas Pharma
Steris
King & Spalding LLP
King & Spalding LLP ‘serves public companies and leading private equity firms in sophisticated transactions’, and advises its roster of clients on golden parachute, executive compensation and employee benefit plan issues. From the firm’s New York office, team leader Jeanie Cogill handles the equity incentive program and non-qualified deferred compensation plan aspects of M&A transactions, while Chicago-based Sam Choy represents private equity firms and senior executives in employee benefit matters. Following the departure of Laura Westfall in August 2021, Chicago-based Jennifer Neilsson, who focuses on ERISA Title 1 mandates, joined the practice from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in August 2021.
Practice head(s):
Jeanie Cogill
Other key lawyers:
Sam Choy; Jennifer Neilsson
Testimonials
‘The practice group serves public companies and leading private equity firms in sophisticated transactions including IPOs, mergers and acquisitions and spin-offs.’
‘Sam Choy is an experienced partner who provides excellent advice and counsel. His practice is sophisticated as he represents a wide gamut of clients from small cap and privately held companies to public companies. He also represents leading private equity firms and senior executives in employee benefit matters.’
Key clients
Institute of Nuclear Power Operations
Vectra Capital
Bob Evans Farms
JW Aluminum
Escape Games NYC
Roark Capital
Morgan Stanley
Jamestown Properties Corporation
Clarion Partners
Partners Group
ATIS
Nature’s Bounty (management team)
Allen Systems Group
UMC Health System
United Rentals
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Noted for its expertise in financial restructuring matters, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP’s workload also includes middle-market M&A, and counts private equity firms, such as BlackRock, Stone Point Capital and Sentinel Capital Partners, among its key roster of clients. Marissa Holob, who acts for public and private companies, as well as tax-exempt entities, on a range of executive compensation issues, jointly leads the practice alongside Robert Holtzman. Other key members of the team include special counsel Avram Cahn, who advises on ERISA compliance issues, and associate Sumaya Ullah Restagno. All named attorneys are based in New York.
Practice head(s):
Marissa Holob; Robert Holtzman
Other key lawyers:
Avram Cahn; Sumaya Ullah Restagno
Key clients
BlackRock
Capstar Special Purpose Acquisition Corp
Stone Point Capital
Sentinel Capital Partners
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of the Boy Scouts of America
HC2 Holdings
Argand Partners LP
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Hertz Global Holdings
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Brazos Electric Power Cooperative
Work highlights
- Advised BlackRock in relation to the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of its $1.05bn acquisition of Aperio Group.
- Advising Capstar Special Purpose Acquisition in connection with all aspects of the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of its $1.3bn combination with Gelesis Inc.
- Advised Stone Point Capital LLC in connection with the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of several M&A transactions.
Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown advises public and private companies, as well as individual executives, across the financial services, technology and life sciences sectors on the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of M&A. Key clients include Lone Star Funds, Climate Change Crisis Impact I Acquisition and Argo Infrastructure Partner, among others. In the firm’s Chicago office, key members of the practice include Debra Hoffman, who has deep experience advising on the benefits aspects of corporate transactions, Ryan Liebl and Stephanie Vasconcellos, while Maureen Gorman leads the team from the firm’s office in Palo Alto.
Practice head(s):
Maureen Gorman
Other key lawyers:
Debra Hoffman; Ryan Liebl; Stephanie Vasconcellos
Key clients
Argo Infrastructure Partners
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners
CDK Global
CNO Financial Group
Climate Change Crisis Impact I Acquisition
Financo
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
Lone Star Funds
Lunglife AI
Work highlights
- Represented Brookfield Infrastructure in the $4.1bn sale of Enwave.
- Represented Climate Change Crisis Impact I Acquisition in its $2.6bn merger with EVgo Services LLC.
- Represented Lone Star Funds in the $1.68bn sale of its portfolio company, Caliber Home Loans, Inc., to New Residential Investment Corp.
McGuireWoods LLP
McGuireWoods LLP acts for clients across the financial services, energy, industrial and technology sectors and counts mid-market M&A deals, as well as spin-offs and ESOP transactions in its workload. Co-chair William Tysse, who operates from the firm’s Washington DC office, has demonstrable experience in advising on non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements, while co-chair and Charlotte-based partner Taylor French handles equity and incentive compensation plans, including issues under the 409A code. In Virginia, Robert Cipolla advises public, private and tax-exempt entities on defined benefit, multi-employer and health plans.
Practice head(s):
Taylor French; William Tysse
Other key lawyers:
Robert Cipolla
Key clients
Dominion Energy Services, Inc.
L3 Harris Technologies, Inc.
Perspecta, Inc.
NRG Energy
Latticework Capital Management, LLC
Trinity Private Equity Group
eLearning Brothers, LLC
Navient Solutions, LLC
Rising Point Capital
Carolina Foods, Inc.
ExlService Holdings, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Dominion Energy in the $9.7bn sale of the company’s natural gas transmission and storage business to an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway.
- Advised L3 Harris Technologies, Inc. on employee benefits matters relating to its $185m pending sale of its Electronic Devices division to Arlington Capital Partners.
- Advised Perspecta, Inc. on employee benefits and executive compensation matters in connection with its $7.1bn sale to Peraton.
Milbank
The New York-based team at Milbank is noted for its expertise in handling the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of restructurings and bankruptcies, in addition to high-end M&A arising out of the technology, telecoms, healthcare and retail sectors. Manan Shah, who combines his ‘business savvy and legal acumen’ to advise on a range of executive compensation issues relating to corporate and financial transactions, jointly leads the practice alongside Joel Krasnow, who focuses on ERISA fiduciary compliance matters. Key clients include Veritas Capital, Frontier Communication and Orbcomm.
Practice head(s):
Manan Shah; Joel Krasnow
Other key lawyers:
Kelly Bartley
Testimonials
‘Milbank, and particularly Manan Shah, provide proactive solutions that anticipate potential issues to enable the client to address those issues before they can become a problem. It’s as if Milbank is a part of the organisation, not just an outside advisor.’
‘Manan Shah is an exceptional attorney, but that is to be expected at a top-tier firm. Where Mike differentiates himself is his combined business savvy and legal acumen. Many employment law issues have practical implications for a company, from addressing difficult personalities to designing compensation programs that address legal requirements that also fit with significant company objectives. Mike doesn’t just provide legal advice, he crafts solutions that work in tandem with the client’s objectives.’
‘Unique intersection of skills, capabilities and experience that makes the pragmatic application of expertise invaluable. Cross section of executive compensation, human capital management and SEC disclosures.’
Key clients
Orbcomm
Veritas Capital
SEACOR Holdings
U.S. Steel
Frontier Communications
Guitar Center
Hudson Executive Investment Corp.
Morrison Foerster
Morrison Foerster counts private equity firms, public companies and senior executives among its key roster of clients. The team focuses on the executive compensation aspects of M&A arising out of the finance, technology, agriculture and healthcare sectors. With the May 2021 departure of Ron Aizen and Ann Becchina, Amanda Hines Gold jointly leads the practice from the firm’s office in San Francisco, alongside New York-based Domnick Bozzetti. Together, the team leaders are praised as ‘a walking encyclopedia of equity and executive compensation issues’. Of counsel Brooke Monahan, who operates from the firm’s Phoenix office, joined in March 2021 from Quarles & Bradley LLP.
Practice head(s):
Amanda Hines Gold; Domnick Bozzetti
Other key lawyers:
Brooke Monahan
Testimonials
‘My experience with the group (specifically Amanda Hines-Gold and Dom Bozzetti) has been stellar. They have an expansive and deep knowledge and understanding of the equity and executive compensation arena. They are practically a walking encyclopedia of equity and executive compensation issues, and have extensive real-world experience across the full spectrum of equity and executive compensation issues a company may come across.’
‘I can always reach out to Amanda Hines-Gold and the team and be assured of a timely response. They are willing also to walk my colleagues and me through esoteric provisions in the tax code to make sure we can clearly understand the issue.’
Key clients
Alpine Investors
American Healthcare Investors LLC
ATN International
Autodesk
Divvy
Ethos Capital
Main Post Partners
Freedom 3 Capital
General Finance Corporation
Huck Capital
Kindred Biosciences
MGG Investment
Minerva Engineering
MobileIron
MUFG
OpenInvest
Paine Schwartz
Silver Crest Acquisition Corp
SoftBank
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
O’Melveny & Myers LLP advises both public and private companies across the technology, entertainment and pharmaceutical sectors on executive compensation and employee benefits issues relating to M&A and financing matters. Key clients include Edwards Lifesciences, Alaska Air Group and Warner Bros, among others. The Newport Beach-based team is led by Jeff Walbridge, who handles equity and non-equity based incentive plans, as well as deferred employment compensation mandates, while Chris Del Rosso focuses on the tax and employee benefits aspects of M&A deals.
Practice head(s):
Jeff Walbridge
Other key lawyers:
Chris Del Rosso
Key clients
Air Lease Corporation
Alaska Air Group
Edison International
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
Kilroy Realty Corporation
Lions Gate Entertainment
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Synaptics Incorporated
Warner Bros.
Western Digital Corporation
Work highlights
- Represented an ad hoc group of lenders in the chapter 11 bankruptcy and reorganisation of 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc.
- Advised a financial corporation in the $450m sale of a majority interest in the company to Walgreens Boot Alliance.
- Advised Synaptics Incorporated in its $305m acquisition of DisplayLink Corp.
Paul Hastings LLP
Counting multinational companies and financial institutions among its standout roster of clients, Paul Hastings LLP has demonstrable capabilities in handling the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of M&A, such as advising Madison Industries in its $3.6bn acquisition of Nortek Air. Los Angeles-based Stephen Harris leads the practice and is praised for ‘acting as a key partner in all facets of an employment scenario’. In the firm’s Washington DC office, Eric Keller handles C-suite issues, while Palo Alto-based Dan Stellenberg acts for private equity firms and their portfolio companies, as well as individual executives.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Harris
Other key lawyers:
Eric Keller; Dan Stellenberg
Testimonials
‘What separates Paul Hastings from other practices is the depth of context they seek, understanding the broader business and employment context to inform the legal approach.’
‘Stephen Harris goes so far above and beyond what I have seen competitors do, acting as a key partner in all facets of an employment scenario. His ability to bring great judgment and business sense to bear on the scenario makes him much more than a legal counsellor.’
Key clients
Samsung
NatWest
Intel
Walmart
Disney
Sony
Ford
Credit Suisse
Paysafe
Guggenheim Partners
Electrolux
Work highlights
- Advised AvidXchange in its acquisition of FastPay.
- Advised Madison Industries in its $3.6bn acquisition of Nortek Air.
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP advises its roster of key clients, including MT&T, Foursquare and IQVIA, among others, on the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of mid-market M&A. In the firm’s San Francisco office, Jonathan Ocker acts for public companies and executives on compensation matters, while Christine Richardson advises technology and retail clients on a range of employee benefits and ERISA issues. Jessica Lutrin operates from the firm’s New York office along with Peter Hunt, who handles ERISA fiduciary and compliance issues. Silicon Valley-based Cindy Schlaefer and Los Angeles-based Mark Jones are also key members of the team.
Practice head(s):
Cindy Schlaefer; Christine Richardson; Mark Jones; Peter Hunt
Other key lawyers:
Jessica Lutrin; Jonathan Ocker
Testimonials
‘Jonathan Ocker is exquisitely competent, and, at the same time, extremely effective with helping clients understand the law and counselling them through decision making.’
Key clients
1stdibs.com, Inc.
AT&T and Warner Media
Beauty By Imagination
Chevron Corporation
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Clearwater Paper Corporation
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company
Foursquare Labs, Inc
General Reinsurance Corporation
Invitae Corporation
IQVIA
The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised AT&T on various compensation and benefits issues relating to the $43bn spin-off of WarnerMedia and integration of various media entities.
- Represented Foursquare Labs, Inc. in its mergers with both Factual Inc. and Unfolded.
WilmerHale
WilmerHale advises on M&A as well as IPOs, and counts both domestic and multinational companies across the software, biotech and financial services sectors among its key roster of clients. From the firm’s office in Boston, Kimberly Wethly leads the practice and handles all aspects of executive compensation work, while Amy Null advises tax-exempt and taxable employers, in addition to financial industry service providers, on ERISA matters. Based in Washington DC, Scott Kilgore and Ciara Baker are also key contacts in the team.
Practice head(s):
Kimberly Wethly
Other key lawyers:
Amy Null; Scott Kilgore; Ciara Baker
Key clients
Acacia Communications
Analog Devices
Eaton Vance Corp
EverQuote
MicroStrategy Incorporated
PerkinElmer
Progress
Robinhood
State Street
WEX
Work highlights
- Represented Eaton Vance Corp. in the executive compensation and benefits aspects of an agreement under which Morgan Stanley acquired Eaton Vance for approximately $7bn.
- Represented PerkinElmer in the executive compensation and benefits aspects of its $5.25bn acquisition of BioLegend.
- Advised Acacia Communications, Inc. in the executive compensation and benefits aspects of a $4.5bn amended merger agreement with Cisco Systems, Inc.
Bracewell LLP
Bracewell LLP counts energy and utilities companies, such as J&J Maintenance, Cheniere Energy and Apache Corporation, among its key roster of clients. The team advises on a range executive compensation and employee benefits issues relating to corporate, partnership and LLC transactions. Matthew Grunert, who acts for public and closely held companies, private equity funds and portfolio companies, jointly leads the practice alongside the ‘excellent‘ Scott Sanders, who represented Crescent Real Estate LLC in its acquisition of The Hotel at Avalon. Both partners are based in Houston.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Grunert; Scott Sanders
Testimonials
‘Scott Sanders is excellent.’
Key clients
J&J Maintenance, Inc.
Pioneer Bancshares, Inc.
Cheniere Energy, Inc.
Apache Corporation
Kinder Morgan, Inc.
Prosperity Bancshares
Pilot Travel Centers LLC
Crescent Real Estate
Work highlights
- Represented Crescent Real Estate LLC in its acquisition of The Hotel at Avalon, a 330-room luxury Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, including employee benefits and executive compensation matters.
- Advising Pioneer Bancshares, Inc. in its merger with FirstSun Capital Bancorp (FirstSun), holding company of Sunflower Bank, N.A., including benefits and compensation matters.
- Assisted Apache in connection with amending and restating its Income Continue Plan.
Haynes and Boone, L.L.P.
Haynes and Boone, L.L.P. counts domestic and multinational companies across the food and beverages, financial services, retail and energy sectors among its key roster of clients, and handles the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of high-value acquisitions. From the firm’s Dallas office, Susan Wetzel leads the group and has experience in equity incentive benefit plans, while Chris Kang acts for financial institutions in ERISA-related matters. Houston-based Jesse Gelsomini focuses on tax-qualified pension, 401(k) and ESOP plans.
Practice head(s):
Susan Wetzel
Other key lawyers:
Chris Kang; Jesse Gelsomini
Key clients
Blucora, Inc
CSW Industrials
Enbridge Inc.
Vaalco Energy
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.
Paycom Software, Inc.
Performance Food Group Company
Arcosa, Inc.
Tuesday Morning Corporation
Landry’s Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented Arcosa in its acquisition of StonePoint Ultimate Holding, LLC and its affiliated entities from an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners.
- Represented CSW Industrials, Inc. in its acquisition of TruAire, Inc.
Outten & Golden LLP
Noted for its expertise in the financial services sector, Outten & Golden LLP exclusively acts for individual clients, ranging from CEOs and C-suite executives to investment and commercial bankers and portfolio managers, on executive compensation matters. Of counsel Katherine Blostein jointly leads the practice alongside Wendi Lazar, who is praised as ‘a force of nature’, particularly when advising clients on executive agreements. The team is also well-placed to handle compensation-related tax issues. All named attorneys are based in New York.
Practice head(s):
Wendi Lazar; Katherine Blostein
Testimonials
‘Wendi Lazar is a force of nature in this space. Definitely the person to have on your side as she is fearless and tenacious.’
‘The team has tremendous subject matter expertise on relevant employment practices, policies and trends across the financial services industry. They know precisely what firms have been offering and what their redlines are in terms of negotiation points.’
‘Wendi Lazar is the key partner I have worked with at Outten & Golden in multiple scenarios, such as termination of employment, negotiating new employment terms etc. Her advice is invaluable; she is clear about the terms and what points we should not give on.’
Work highlights
- Represented the founder and CEO of a business in a SPAC transaction, involving the negotiation of the client’s new agreements and all aspects of compensation with the acquirer.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP’s New York employee benefits, executive compensation and ERISA practice group counts financial institutions and investment funds, notably J.P. Morgan, among its key roster of clients. The team frequently collaborates with the firm’s financial restructuring group to advise distressed companies on compensation agreements. ‘Top-notch negotiator’ Austin Lilling, who has experience in the ERISA, tax and securities aspects of benefits and compensation arrangements, jointly leads the team alongside the ‘trusted’ David Olstein.
Practice head(s):
Austin Lilling; David Olstein
Testimonials
‘Austin Lilling is the best employment lawyer I have ever dealt with. He is a top-notch negotiator and thinks outside the box. I have not only used his services but have recommended him to multiple others who have felt the same way.’
‘The team at Stroock goes above and beyond for their clients. They research relevant facts and come up with creative solutions. They structured contracts and tax planning to maximise potential profitability for me.’
‘David Olstein, in particular, is a trusted and valued expert, who we consult on nearly every transaction.’
Key clients
JPMorgan Chase Bank
J.P. Morgan Investment Management
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
ArcLight Capital Partners LLC
RockFence Capital LLC
InvestCloud Management Team
Corsearch Management Team
Bayard Advertising Management Team
Benefit Street Partners
Work highlights
- Represented InvestCloud’s CFO, CEO, COO, president and management team in negotiating post-closing employment agreements, equity documentation, restrictive covenants, transaction bonus arrangements, LLC documentation and tax planning, in connection with a recapitalisation transaction valuing the business at $1bn.
- Represented the management team of Corsearch in connection with its sale to Astorg.
- Represented the management team of Bayard Advertising in connection with the acquisition of the company by Shamrock Capital.