Executive Compensation & Strategic Advisory Services
Providing strategic & practical guidance to clients navigating the complex rules and regulations involved in employment and executive compensation matters
Mintz’s strong reputation as a go-to, highly regarded Executive Compensation Practice is based on our goals-focused approach and extensive experience representing public and private companies, including alternative asset managers and private equity sponsors, as well as the C-Suite, business executives, and senior investment professionals on a broad range of sophisticated compensation matters. Our experience comprises rollover and contribution agreements, equity ownership agreements, partnership agreements, employment agreements, equity incentive awards and deferred compensation plans. We also regularly advise on non-compete covenants, and non-solicitation covenants in connection with equity incentive awards, deferred compensation plans and employment agreements.
Our team of trusted advisors knows the vital role that compensation arrangements play in attracting and retaining talent, driving engagement, and rewarding performance, and has a deep understanding of the complex issues pertaining to choice of entity structuring, employment, benefits, tax, securities, and corporate law to help meet each client’s unique business needs. Our experience, which encompasses counseling, compliance, transactions, and dispute resolution and internal investigations, is what sets us apart in the market, and allows us to add the most value possible to our clients.
Share AwardsOur Experience
Collectively handled executive compensation aspects of 1,000+ corporate transactions
Our Approach
As the industry transforms and becomes increasingly complex, teamwork and information sharing has become critical. Our team believes collaboration is key to ensuring long-term success for our clients, and we embrace this across every area of our business. The practice utilizes industry knowledge, networks, and experience to add value in addition to offering legal insights.
As business-oriented problem solvers, our Executive Compensation & Strategic Management Representation Group is deeply embedded into the firm’s employment, benefits, tax, securities, and corporate practices, giving us – and our clients – the edge needed to achieve personal and business goals. For decades, our experienced attorneys have represented prominent institutions and individuals, focusing solely on the most important, sensitive and complex issues related to senior executive compensation. Our bespoke, multidisciplinary, collaborative, and goals-focused approach ensures the highest level of service and representation of our clients.
- Executive representation in the context of private equity financing, venture capital investments, private equity financing, leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, and other transactional contexts (for both public and closely-held corporations), often working closely with Private Equity & Hedge Fund partners and senior investment professionals
- Equity and non-equity compensation arrangements: nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, performance bonus plans, option and restricted stock awards, synthetic equity plans, and equity participation in limited liability companies, partnerships, and corporations
- Employment and retention agreements
- Partnership, ownership, and governance agreements
- Restrictive covenants, non-competes, non-solicitations, non-disparagement, confidentiality and trade secrets, clawback provisions, and litigation
- SEC proxy disclosure; Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank Act compliance, corporate governance, shareholder relations
- Dispute resolution; disputes between alternative managers and investment professionals
- Severance, separation, transitions, release, and other termination of service providers
- Onboarding of senior investment professionals and various asset managers
- Change-in-control and golden parachute agreements
- Code Sections 409A, 457(f), 162(m), 280G, and 83 compliance
- Agreements related to carry interest awards
- Compensation committee advisory – best practices, structuring, policies, reporting, training, audits
- Ongoing representation of executives throughout their professional careers
- Payroll issues
- Compensation related and K-1/W-2 reporting issues for operating partnerships and other tax pass through entities
For decades, our team of professionals has represented management teams and individual corporate executives in negotiations with the largest and most sophisticated private equity sponsors in the world. Propelled by our experience, relationships, market knowledge, and insights, our team strives to chart the path forward for our diverse client base.
- Private Equity
- Alternative Asset Managers
- Financial Services
- Health Care
- Life Sciences
- Media and Journalism
- Music and Entertainment
- Digital Marketing
- Technology
- Energy
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Real Estate