From IPOs and international expansions to take-private transactions and long-term private ownership strategies, DLA Piper LLP (US) navigates complex executive compensation and equity incentive issues across a wide range of transactions to helping clients achieve their strategic objectives. Practice head Rita Patel, based in Washington DC, continues to focus on complex corporate transactions, advising clients on regulatory frameworks such as ERISA, Section 409A, and 280G. Washington DC-based Keith Ranta manages executive compensation aspects of IPOs, such as employment and severance agreements, while San Diego-based Michelle Lara counsels on stock options and other equity-based incentive plans.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Quite simply, they are the best in the business. I work primarily with Dean Fealk, whom I find to be an exceptional lawyer. Knowledgeable about many areas of law with deep expertise in international matters. My go to lawyer whenever I need results.'
- 'DLA is very responsive to our needs and takes time to understand our business and what the in-house team needs.'
- 'The team provides practical, actionable advice in an easy to understand manner. They are very responsive and have gone above and beyond on matters where we need to move quickly. Their practicality, responsiveness, and ability to explain and distill complex compensation matters.'
Key clients
- City Office REIT, Inc.
- Ripple Labs, Inc.
- Qualcomm Incorporated
- Accel-KKR
- Frontenac Company, LLC
- Chicago Red Stars
- Alimera Sciences, Inc.
- Hewlett Packard
- Keystone Capital Management, L.P.
- Analog Devices, Inc.
Work highlights
Advised City Office REIT, Inc. on the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of its agreement to be taken private by MCME Carell Holdings for approximately US$1.1 billion.
Represented Ripple Labs in multiple share buybacks over the past twelve months through the rollout of tender offers.
Represented Qualcomm in equity compensation and tax qualified retirement plan issues related to the acquisitions of Edge Impulse and MovianAI Artificial Intelligence.
Practice head
Rita Patel
Other key lawyers
Keith Everett Ranta; Michelle Lara; Jason Veit; Dean Fealk