Emily Meyer joined Cohen & Buckmann in 2020 after more than ten years of practice as an executive compensation and employee benefits lawyer at leading law firms.

Executive Compensation and Equity Plans

Emily advises executives of public and private companies on the terms of employment, change in control and severance agreements. Her practice includes counseling both executives and employers about complex equity compensation arrangements, including stock option and profit interest awards. She is knowledgeable about Section 409A and other tax rules related to deferred compensation and equity plans.

Employee Benefits and Qualified Plans

Emily also provides advice to employers about the various compliance issues related to the design and administration of employee benefit plans. With respect to 401(k) and 403(b) plans, she has significant experience helping plan sponsors fulfill their fiduciary duties and correct operational and plan document errors. With respect to health and welfare plans, she is knowledgeable about the requirements of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA and the Affordable Care Act.

M&A Transactions and Pension Investments

Emily has extensive experience dealing with the compensation and employee benefits issues that arise in the context of corporate transactions. Her practice includes performing due diligence and negotiating purchase agreement terms as well as assisting with the post-merger integration of employee benefits and incentives. She is knowledgeable about the prohibited transaction issues presented by investments of ERISA pension plan assets.

Publications

SECURE 2.0 – Defined Contribution Plan and IRA Contributions Reconsidered, February 2023

New York Mandates Employer Participation in State-Run Retirement Savings Program, November 2021

COVID-19 Special Advisory – Navigating the New COBRA Subsidy, April 2021

COVID-19 Special Advisory – Navigating the COBRA Extension Deadline, Insights Cohen & Buckmann, November 2020

Addressing 401(k)s, Health Benefits and Compensation After a Merger or Acquisition, BenefitsPro.com, March 12, 2019

New Plant Shutdown Rules for Defined Benefit Retirement Plans, Employee Benefit Plan Review, July 2015

Selecting and Hiring an Investment Manager, Practical Law Practice Note, April 2011

Speaking Engagements

“The New DOL Fiduciary Landscape,” EBN Benefits Forum & Expo, September 2016

“So, What Do You Need to Know About Employee Benefits? A Primer – and Update – on Employee Benefits and ERISA,” ABA Section of Taxation Annual Meeting, May 2013