Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP oversees all aspects of executive compensation and employee benefits programs, both in day-to-day operations and in corporate transactions, advising on the compensation and benefits dimensions of corporate transactions, financings, as well as on compliance with ERISA, including fiduciary duties and prohibited transactions. New York-based practice heads, Michael Katz and Jordan Messinger, counsel on executive compensation and employee benefits issues arising from strategic mergers, leveraged buyouts, spin-offs, restructurings, and other acquisitions and divestitures. Rose Ohanesian, in New York, leads the negotiation, structuring, and implementation of employment and severance agreements, along with equity and cash-based incentive programs, while in Washington DC, Alexander Ryan serves as key adviser on ERISA Title I matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Their executive compensation practice is exceptional and consistently a pleasure to work with. The team has a great sense of the market and provides real-time advice. Willkie distinguishes itself by having a best-in-class team, everyone seems eager to help, and brings a productive mindset to each task.'
‘I have worked closely with two partners, Jordan Messinger and Rose Ohanesian, and both are terrific. Jordan Messinger is by far the best executive compensation lawyer that I have worked with. It is great to know Willkie has a deep bench. Rose Ohanesian was very proactive and a great thought partner when designing a complex incentive plan with one of our clients.'
‘Very strong M & A benefits practice; Very strong ERISA practice as it applies to the financial services industry.’
‘Alexander Ryan is very smart and has a pragmatic approach to addressing client issues.’
'Jordan Messinger has the best understanding of my business needs of any attorney I have worked with in more than a decade.’
‘I can only speak to the strengths and capabilities of Alex Ryan, an exceptionally skilled and deeply experienced ERISA parter at Willkie.’
‘Team is extremely responsive and thoughtful. They use their network to help us manage global issues. They take a holistic approach to their advisory services, considering all stakeholders. Very collaborative with the commercial team at Wilkie, which helps during transactions.’
‘Rose Ohanesian is an excellent partner and leader in the firm. She is extremely thoughtful and responsive and leverages her associates well.’
‘Michael Katz and Alex Ryan are all on top of the game and known within their practice areas. ’
‘Michael Katz is a fantastic attorney.’
Key clients
- The Interpublic Group of Companies
- Insight Partners and its portfolio companies
- Warburg Pincus
- Gainline Capital Partners
- Bluestar Alliance LLC
- Atlas Holdings
- Platinum Equity
- Aquiline Capital Partners LP
- Novacap
- Genstar Capital
- Recognize Partners
- Rumble
- Karman Holdings Inc.
- Title Resources Group
- VSS Capital Partners
- The Colt Group
- Shamrock Capital
- LS Power Group
- Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited
Work highlights
Advised on executive compensation and employee benefits of Dotmatics' $5.1 billion sale to Siemens AG.
Advised on executive compensation and employee benefits of The Interpublic Group of Companies' acquisition by Omnicom in a stock-for-stock transaction valued at approximately $13.5 billion.
Advised on executive compensation and employee benefits of Platinum Equity's initial public offerings of two of its portfolio companies, McGraw-Hill and Ingram Micro Holding Corporation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Michael Katz; Jordan Messinger
Other key lawyers
Rose Ohanesian; Alexander Ryan