We advise executives of both public and private employers in Chicago and around the country with respect to the various boundaries and benefits in executive compensation.  Tax Code statutes, such as 409A, 280G, and 162(m), and related regulations have become increasingly complex.  While your employer will often draft the language of any executive agreement, incentive compensation plan, or deferred compensation plan, noncompliance with various tax laws penalizes you—the executive—far more than the employer.  Other boundaries to consider include securities laws, such as Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act.  We also advise executives of the protections under ERISA, to the extent applicable.  

The firm also represents the executive at the time of entering into the executive agreement and compensation structure.  If we work with you at the time of negotiating your package, we can often clarify and obtain increased protection to you regarding annual compensation, termination, restrictive covenants, bonuses and other incentive compensation, deferred compensation, and equity compensation.