The employment and compensation practice at Baker McKenzie LLP employs the strength of its national and international connections to provide plan design advice to a diverse array of clients, renowned particularly for its ‘deep expertise’ in executive compensation matters. Based in San Francisco, practice head Barbara Klementz is praised by clients as ’amazing’ for her treatment of equity compensation programs amid corporate transactions, where she is joined by the ‘solution-oriented, responsive, and pro-active’ Sinead Kelly, reputed for her expertise in practical executive compensation plan design and implementation as well as for her counsel on the relevant federal and state legislation, and Victor Flores, who specializes in ERISA issues arising during compensation plan design and administration. From Chicago, Brian Wydajewski excels in the design of employee stock option purchase plans.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Baker McKenzie's Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation, and Retirement Plans practice excels due to its deep expertise and global reach. Their lawyers possess comprehensive knowledge of complex legal frameworks, including ERISA, tax laws, and securities regulations, enabling them to provide high-quality advice on a wide range of issues. With a strong international network, they offer unparalleled expertise in cross-border benefits and compensation, ensuring compliance for multinational companies.
- 'They possess a remarkable grasp of complex legal and regulatory frameworks, including ERISA, tax codes, and securities laws. This allows them to provide insightful and comprehensive advice.'
- 'They don't just offer legal advice; they understand the business implications of their recommendations. They can effectively weigh practical considerations, compliance requirements, and cost implications to provide well-rounded solutions.'
- 'Barbara Klementz possesses incredible knowledge and a knack for explaining complex issues simply. She always considers the bigger picture and provides commercially sound advice.'
- 'Jeff Bauman is incredibly responsive and diligent, always going the extra mile to ensure all my questions are answered and concerns addressed. These qualities – deep understanding, commercial awareness, responsiveness, clarity, and a collaborative spirit – differentiate the team from competitors. They provide not just legal advice but true partnership, helping me navigate complex situations and achieve my goals.’
‘Barbara Klementz is amazing.’
‘Deep expertise in executive and equity compensation matters. They are extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and most importantly, practical. They spot issues, listen to business issues/concerns, address risk, and solve problems.’
‘Sinead Kelly is exceptional. She is an expert in executive compensation and equity matters and has a very practical approach that we can implement. She is solution-oriented, responsive, and pro-active.'
Key clients
- Alphabet/Google
Work highlights
- Advised Alphabet / Google on implementation of their first dividend and dividend equivalent units on outstanding equity awards in 60+ countries as well as the implementation of a DRIP
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Barbara Klementz
Other key lawyers
Sinead Kelly; Brian Wydajewski; Victor Flores