EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Cohen & Buckmann’s Executive Compensation lawyers understand the critical role compensation arrangements play in attracting talent and driving performance.  Our attorneys are experienced at understanding the key goals and incentives that are important and helping to achieve them by analyzing the governance implications and legal and financial risks associated with compensation and benefit arrangements, as well as navigating interrelated securities law, disclosure, investor relations, tax, ERISA and accounting issues. Our attorneys represent employers, funds, executives, and executive management teams in all facets of executive compensation. These include the complex issues that arise in employment and partnership in the financial services sector, including hedge fund compensation, entertainment and advertising, and many other sectors.   We give practical and confidential advice in this complex area of the law, always keeping in mind that overall goals for the arrangement. 

With experience in corporate and tax law, and human resources, Cohen & Buckmann’s attorneys take a multidisciplinary approach to addressing client needs. Matters the firm handles on behalf of its executive clients include:

  • Complex negotiations related to transactional aspects of mergers and acquisitions

  • Equity rollovers

  • Employment agreements

  • Severance packages

  • Non-compete issues

  • Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

Cohen & Buckmann’s attorneys are especially skilled at navigating Code Section 409A and other tax matters and providing personalized guidance on sophisticated equity plan and co-investment decisions.

Cohen & Buckmann’s Executive Compensation practice represents U.S. companies and Canadian companies with U.S. operations with incentive planning. Our attorneys simplify complex matters that are critical to their clients’ business planning, such as non-qualified deferred compensation (Section 409A or Section 457(f)) or selection of equity plan types. They provide advice and counsel related to mergers and acquisitions, including the senior management issues that arise during employment contract and merger negotiations, including the optimal way to manage golden parachute taxes (Section 280G), harmonizing employee benefits, and negotiating management transitions.