Executive Compensation and Employment

• Stock Option Plans and Equity-Based Compensation

Our Executive Compensation practice focuses on representing employers, employees and consultants in the development of equity compensation and deferred compensation plans. We provide advice on the tax consequences and securities law implications of different types of compensation structures and provide practical advice on providing incentives to employees and consultants. Our attorneys have extensive experience in devising equity-based and cash deferred compensation plans for company executives that align the executive’s interests with those of the company. In addition, we advise companies and executives on change of control issues, parachute payment tax consequences and other issues that arise in equity compensation arrangements.

• Employment and Consulting Agreements

Our Employment practice focuses on representing employers, employees and consultants in a broad range of industries on employment matters. We prepare sophisticated employment arrangements, including equity and deferred cash incentives. Often, when new investors finance a company, they insist that new employment agreements be drafted for the founders in order to align their interests with that of the company and the investors. We have extensive experience preparing and negotiating such agreements to arrive at a mutually beneficial arrangement.

• Employee Termination and Severance Arrangements

Our Employment practice includes advising clients on termination and severance arrangements. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with the delicate issues involved in employee and consultant terminations. We advise clients on how to best protect themselves in those situations and counsel them on compliance with the sometimes confusing regulatory issues involved in layoffs.