Latham & Watkins LLP continues to be a dominant force in executive compensation and employee benefits, regularly advising private equity firms, multinational corporations, and financial institutions on high-stakes transactions. The firm is a go-to advisor for structuring management incentive programs, carried interest arrangements, and equity compensation plans across M&A, IPOs, and leveraged buyouts. The team has been particularly active in headline-grabbing deals, including advising Skydance Media on its $28bn merger with Paramount Global. With a deep bench of experienced practitioners across New York, Silicon Valley, Washington DC, and Los Angeles, the firm offers seamless, business-focused counsel on executive pay structuring and strategic workforce planning. Key partners Bradd Williamson, David Della Rocca, Larry Seymour , Austin Ozawa and James Metz are noted for their expertise across the firm's offering, with a strong record in high-value transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Latham is an amazing advisor in the executive compensation/equity compensation arena. They are heads and shoulders above others in their ability to think originally and deeply based on your particular facts. In addition their availability is unparalled.'
Key clients
- Skydance Media and the Investor Group
- The Carlyle Group
- Endeavor Operating Company
- Stericycle Inc.
- Permira Advisors
- UL Solutions Inc.
- Nippon Life Insurance Company
- Consolidated Communications Holdings
- Arcline Investment Management LP
- Viking Holdings Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Permira, a global private equity firm, on the employee benefits and compensation aspects of its US$6.9 billion take-private acquisition of Squarespace.
- Represented Reddit, Inc. in US$748 Million IPO.
- Advised Skydance Media and Investor Group in Definitive Agreements With Paramount Global and National Amusements.
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
Other key lawyers
David T. Della Roca; Bradd Williamson; James Metz; Benjamin Rosemergy; Michelle Carpenter; Julie Crisp; Austin Ozawa; Matthew Conway