Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits

Our Executive Compensation practice works with companies, boards, individual executives and management teams to design and implement programs that align leadership incentives with business objectives and shareholder interests. We advise on employment agreements, equity and incentive plans, deferred compensation, severance and change-in-control arrangements, indemnification, restrictive covenants, and related SEC and tax matters.

We work closely with compensation committees to create programs that are practical, strategically aligned and tailored to the company’s goals. At the same time, our experience representing individual executives ensures arrangements attract, motivate and protect top talent.

We also assist private equity firms and management teams with complex compensation structures for LLCs, limited partnerships and other specialized entities, including equity rollovers and incentive alignment.

We combine market insights with a clear understanding of governance obligations and executive priorities to help clients anticipate risks, navigate regulatory requirements and achieve measurable results. Our approach is collaborative, focused on actionable guidance and designed to support effective decision-making across the executive compensation lifecycle.

Retirement and welfare benefits are an important part of total employee compensation and we advise clients in ways that balance employee satisfaction with the realities of the current business climate. We guide clients through every stage of plan design, administration and ongoing compliance, addressing tax, fiduciary, and federal and state benefits regulations, as well as reporting, disclosure and litigation considerations. At the same time, we focus on the practical implications for the organization, from financial management to clear, effective employee communications.

We advise a wide range of organizations, including public and private companies, financial institutions, health care entities and non-profit organizations, on compliance and regulatory issues relating to 401(k) plans, welfare benefit plans, fringe benefits and HIPAA privacy. Our attorneys also bring experience across legacy benefit matters, including pension de-risking, retiree medical coverage and employer participation in multiemployer plans, offering solutions tailored to each client’s business goals and operational realities.

In addition, we counsel investment committees and collaborate with plan fiduciaries, investment managers and advisors on complex ERISA plan asset matters. Our thorough understanding of regulatory requirements and pragmatic approach to client objectives help organizations manage risk, enhance plan effectiveness and achieve outcomes that support both business priorities and participant interests.

Vedder handles high-stakes executive compensation and employee benefits claims and litigation matters with a record of success. Our advice and goal is to help our clients avoid litigation. However, when litigation is necessary, our attorneys are well-equipped to handle complex ERISA and compensation matters. Vedder has won many cases in the ERISA and compensation field, including two Supreme Court cases and dozens of others at various courts.