Working closely with the firm’s corporate M&A, capital markets, and banking teams, Latham & Watkins’s ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ executive compensation, employment, and benefits practice advises public and private companies of all sizes on the full spectrum of executive compensation and related matters. The team handles complex tax and securities law issues, counsels on ERISA, and advises on benefit plan considerations in outsourcing transactions, as well as employment and benefits litigation. The practice is jointly led by Larry Seymour in Los Angeles and James Metz in Silicon Valley, with Seymour representing public and private clients in equity-based incentive arrangements, severance packages, and transaction-related incentives, and Metz focuses on navigating intricate tax, securities, and corporate law considerations. In Washington DC, David Della Rocca brings significant experience in addressing compensation and benefits issues arising in mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and spin-offs. Based in New York, Bradd Williamson and Austin Ozawa advise private and public companies on the executive compensation, employment, and benefits aspects of corporate transactions, with Ozawa also providing counsel on SEC and ERISA compliance.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Terrific group with broad market knowledge and deep resources.’
‘James Metz is highly valued as long-term trusted advisor.'
‘This team is incredibly knowledgeable, has a depth of experience that is difficult to replicate and has a practical perspective that it brings to every matter. The team is also very responsive and a pleasure to work with.'
‘The attorneys in this department are great at looking at unique situations and providing advice on creative solutions. They are also attentive to details and very responsive.'
‘Ben Rosemergy is an excellent attorney. He is always available, very creative, provides market insights, and is just an overall trustworthy attorney whose advice I see regularly.'
Key clients
- CyberArk
- Cox Enterprises
- Herc Holdings
- Torch Clean Energy
- Alico
- Coinbase
- Compass Minerals
- DXC Technology
- Novanta
- PowerMarket
- Shift4 Payments
- Tapestry
Work highlights
Advised on employment benefits and executive compensation aspects of Anglo American's announced merger of equals with Teck Resources to form the Anglo Teck group ($53.5 billion).
Advised on employment benefits and executive compensation aspects of Cox Communications' definitive agreement to combine with Charter Communications, Inc. ($34.5 billion).
Advised on employment benefits and executive compensation aspects of CyberArk's sale to Palo Alto Networks ($25 billion).
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Larry Seymour; James Metz
Other key lawyers
David Della Rocca; Bradd Williamson; Austin Ozawa; Ben Rosemergy