Employee Benefits and Compensation
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Wide-Ranging Expertise
We have extensive experience with employee equity award programs, qualified retirement plans, bonus programs, deferred compensation plans, severance and golden-parachute arrangements, fringe benefits, welfare plans, COBRA, employment agreements, and related corporate governance issues.
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Recognized Practitioners
Several of our attorneys have been recognized as leaders in their field by Chambers USA and other publications that rank practitioners.
Working closely with compensation committees and senior management on complex compensation and incentive issues, our attorneys have significant experience in a wide range of employee benefits and compensation matters. These include all facets of employee equity award programs designed for U.S. and international employees, qualified retirement plans, bonus programs, deferred compensation plans, severance and golden-parachute arrangements, fringe benefits, welfare plans, COBRA, employment agreements, and related corporate governance issues.
Overview
Working closely with compensation committees and senior management on complex compensation and incentive issues, our attorneys have significant experience in a wide range of employee benefits and compensation matters. These include all facets of employee equity award programs designed for U.S. and international employees, qualified retirement plans, bonus programs, deferred compensation plans, severance and golden-parachute arrangements, fringe benefits, welfare plans, COBRA, employment agreements, and related corporate governance issues.
Press Releases
Wilson Sonsini Expands Corporate Practice as Compensation and Benefits Partner Brandon Gantus Rejoins the Firm
Contact:
Kimberly Brooks
Wilson Sonsini
+1 212.453.2881
kbrooks@wsgr.com
Kimberly Brooks
Wilson Sonsini
+1 212.453.2881
kbrooks@wsgr.com
Alerts
FAQs: UK Employee Equity Incentive Annual Reporting Deadline Approaching
Companies operating employee equity incentive arrangements in the United Kingdom, including companies incorporated or registered outside of the United Kingdom, are mandated to file an online annual return with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) no later than July 6, 2024. Failure to do so for required companies will lead to automatic penalties applying. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Alerts
Changes to Notification Requirements for EMI Options Granted On or After April 6
Companies granting enterprise management incentive (EMI) options to their UK tax resident employees are reminded they must notify HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of the awards. Failure to do so means that the option is not EMI qualifying and will not be subject to the more favorable tax regime applying to such options.
Client Advisories
Keeping an Eye on the Ball: 2026 FIFA World Cup Legal Issues
The U.S. Department of Justice has partnered with regulatory authorities in Mexico and Canada to detect and prosecute illegal conduct in connection with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Companies doing business related to the World Cup need to know the law so they don’t commit a “foul.”
Client Advisories
Keeping an Eye on the Ball: Government Agencies Increasingly Focused on 2026 FIFA World Cup Legal Issues
On September 22, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it was partnering with Mexico’s Federal Economic Competition Commission and Canada’s Competition Bureau on a new joint initiative to “deter, detect and prosecute” anti-competitive conduct in connection with the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.[1] This Client Advisory provides practical guidance for companies that plan to do business in connection with this global event.
Insights
Press Releases
Wilson Sonsini Expands Corporate Practice as Compensation and Benefits Partner Brandon Gantus Rejoins the Firm
Contact:
Kimberly Brooks
Wilson Sonsini
+1 212.453.2881
kbrooks@wsgr.com
Kimberly Brooks
Wilson Sonsini
+1 212.453.2881
kbrooks@wsgr.com
Alerts
FAQs: UK Employee Equity Incentive Annual Reporting Deadline Approaching
Companies operating employee equity incentive arrangements in the United Kingdom, including companies incorporated or registered outside of the United Kingdom, are mandated to file an online annual return with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) no later than July 6, 2024. Failure to do so for required companies will lead to automatic penalties applying. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Alerts
Changes to Notification Requirements for EMI Options Granted On or After April 6
Companies granting enterprise management incentive (EMI) options to their UK tax resident employees are reminded they must notify HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of the awards. Failure to do so means that the option is not EMI qualifying and will not be subject to the more favorable tax regime applying to such options.
Client Advisories
Keeping an Eye on the Ball: 2026 FIFA World Cup Legal Issues
The U.S. Department of Justice has partnered with regulatory authorities in Mexico and Canada to detect and prosecute illegal conduct in connection with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Companies doing business related to the World Cup need to know the law so they don’t commit a “foul.”
Client Advisories
Keeping an Eye on the Ball: Government Agencies Increasingly Focused on 2026 FIFA World Cup Legal Issues
On September 22, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it was partnering with Mexico’s Federal Economic Competition Commission and Canada’s Competition Bureau on a new joint initiative to “deter, detect and prosecute” anti-competitive conduct in connection with the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.[1] This Client Advisory provides practical guidance for companies that plan to do business in connection with this global event.
Affiliated Programs
NextGen VC Forum - NYC 2024
LaunchBio’s NextGen VC Forum is the premiere event for mid-level venture capital associates to expand their skills and expertise while growing their network. Attendees benefit from curated education sessions from industry leaders to supplement existing expertise. Networking is essential in sourcing deals and one of the primary roles for associates, we’ve built it into the program for participants to be able to walk away with new life science and biotech contacts. The half-day forum created with Wilson Sonsini includes a networking lunch, three one-hour sessions, and a happy hour.
Affiliated Programs
The L Suite Webinar: Key Considerations for Navigating Pre-IPO Equity Compensation
Join Brandon Gantus and Christopher Porcelli for a comprehensive discussion on pre-IPO equity compensation considerations, focusing on practical tips and strategies for companies to consider as they prepare for an IPO. This webinar will explore the shift from stock options to RSUs, 409A valuation timing, implications for expiring options and underwater options, and best practices for structuring equity plans that align with company growth and employee retention goals through and following an IPO. We will provide actionable insights for navigating the complexities of pre-IPO equity compensation.
Affiliated Programs
NextGen VC Forum - Boston
LaunchBio’s NextGen VC Forum is the premiere event for mid-level venture capital associates to expand their skills and expertise while growing their network. Attendees benefit from curated education sessions from industry leaders to supplement existing expertise. Networking is essential in sourcing deals and one of the primary roles for associates, we’ve built it into the program for participants to be able to walk away with new life science and biotech contacts. The half-day forum created with Wilson Sonsini includes a networking lunch, three one-hour sessions, and a happy hour. View the event flyer here.
WSGR Events
College for Clients Series: Getting Ready for the Proxy Season
Wilson Sonsini is pleased to host Getting Ready for the Proxy Season, the eighth and final webinar in the 2023 College for Clients Series. The College for Clients Series is designed to help our clients address and manage some of the fundamental legal issues facing them today.
WSGR Events
College for Clients Series: Employee Equity Fundamentals - Public Companies
To help our publicly held clients' in-house counsel, stock plan administrators, human resources and finance personnel, and any others involved in stock plan administration understand and manage their employee equity programs, we are hosting a seminar that will provide practical tips and materials on sound stock plan administration practices and equity compensation issues. This program will provide an overview of the fundamentals of equity compensation and a more detailed discussion of the legal issues involved in stock administration and compliance.
WSGR Events
College for Clients Series: Employee Equity Fundamentals - Private Companies
To help our privately held clients' stock administrators, in-house counsel, controllers, human resources personnel, and any others involved in stock plan administration better understand and manage their employee equity programs, we are hosting a webinar that will provide practical tips and materials on sound stock plan administration practices and equity compensation issues. The program will provide an overview of the fundamentals of equity compensation and a more detailed discussion of the legal issues involved in stock administration and compliance. It will focus on private companies ranging from early-stage start-ups to those contemplating public offerings.
Events
Affiliated Programs
NextGen VC Forum - NYC 2024
LaunchBio’s NextGen VC Forum is the premiere event for mid-level venture capital associates to expand their skills and expertise while growing their network. Attendees benefit from curated education sessions from industry leaders to supplement existing expertise. Networking is essential in sourcing deals and one of the primary roles for associates, we’ve built it into the program for participants to be able to walk away with new life science and biotech contacts. The half-day forum created with Wilson Sonsini includes a networking lunch, three one-hour sessions, and a happy hour.
Affiliated Programs
The L Suite Webinar: Key Considerations for Navigating Pre-IPO Equity Compensation
Join Brandon Gantus and Christopher Porcelli for a comprehensive discussion on pre-IPO equity compensation considerations, focusing on practical tips and strategies for companies to consider as they prepare for an IPO. This webinar will explore the shift from stock options to RSUs, 409A valuation timing, implications for expiring options and underwater options, and best practices for structuring equity plans that align with company growth and employee retention goals through and following an IPO. We will provide actionable insights for navigating the complexities of pre-IPO equity compensation.
Affiliated Programs
NextGen VC Forum - Boston
LaunchBio’s NextGen VC Forum is the premiere event for mid-level venture capital associates to expand their skills and expertise while growing their network. Attendees benefit from curated education sessions from industry leaders to supplement existing expertise. Networking is essential in sourcing deals and one of the primary roles for associates, we’ve built it into the program for participants to be able to walk away with new life science and biotech contacts. The half-day forum created with Wilson Sonsini includes a networking lunch, three one-hour sessions, and a happy hour. View the event flyer here.
WSGR Events
College for Clients Series: Getting Ready for the Proxy Season
Wilson Sonsini is pleased to host Getting Ready for the Proxy Season, the eighth and final webinar in the 2023 College for Clients Series. The College for Clients Series is designed to help our clients address and manage some of the fundamental legal issues facing them today.
WSGR Events
College for Clients Series: Employee Equity Fundamentals - Public Companies
To help our publicly held clients' in-house counsel, stock plan administrators, human resources and finance personnel, and any others involved in stock plan administration understand and manage their employee equity programs, we are hosting a seminar that will provide practical tips and materials on sound stock plan administration practices and equity compensation issues. This program will provide an overview of the fundamentals of equity compensation and a more detailed discussion of the legal issues involved in stock administration and compliance.
WSGR Events
College for Clients Series: Employee Equity Fundamentals - Private Companies
To help our privately held clients' stock administrators, in-house counsel, controllers, human resources personnel, and any others involved in stock plan administration better understand and manage their employee equity programs, we are hosting a webinar that will provide practical tips and materials on sound stock plan administration practices and equity compensation issues. The program will provide an overview of the fundamentals of equity compensation and a more detailed discussion of the legal issues involved in stock administration and compliance. It will focus on private companies ranging from early-stage start-ups to those contemplating public offerings.
Fleur Benns
Partner
Fleur Benns is a partner in the London office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she is a member of the firm’s employee benefits and compensation practice. Fleur has over 20 years of experience specializing in employee incentives and benefits, with a particular focus on the technology and life sciences sectors. She counsels on cross-border transactions and has extensive experience in advising on incentive arrangements in the context of both acquisitions and investments in the UK.
M. Madeleine Boshart
Partner
Madeleine focuses on all aspects of employee benefits and executive compensation.
Brandon Gantus
Partner
Brandon Gantus is a partner in the San Francisco office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and a co-leader of the firm's employee benefits and compensation practice. His practice focuses on the representation of public and private companies in their compensation and employee benefits matters, with a particular emphasis on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions.
Michael D. Klippert
Partner
Michael Klippert is a partner in Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's employee benefits and compensation practice. Michael represents a wide range of public and private companies with respect to compensation and benefit matters, particularly within the technology, medical device manufacturing, and life science sectors.
Sriram Krishnamurthy
Partner
Sriram Krishnamurthy is a partner in the New York office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and the leader of the firm's employee benefits and compensation practice. His practice focuses on the representation of private and public high-technology and growth companies in regard to executive compensation and employee benefits matters, with a particular emphasis on private company secondary liquidity transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets transactions.
David S. Thomas
Partner
For more than 20 years, Dave has provided legal and practical guidance on compensation and benefits issues to companies of all sizes.
Jaqueline Tokuda
Partner
Jaqueline focuses on the representation of public and private companies and individuals in executive compensation and employee benefits matters.
Michelle Wallin
Partner
Michelle advises companies on executive compensation and employee benefits matters.
Matthew C. Norgard
Partner-Elect
Matthew Norgard is a partner-elect in the New York office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he practices employee benefits and compensation law, focusing on the representation of private and public high technology and growth companies. As part of his practice, Matthew advises U.S. and international clients on the design, drafting, and administration of equity-based compensation programs (including stock option, restricted stock, and other equity arrangements); employment, consulting, retention, severance, change in control, and deferred compensation arrangements; and the associated tax (including Section 409A), accounting, ERISA, and securities law implications.
People
Fleur Benns
Partner
Fleur Benns is a partner in the London office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she is a member of the firm’s employee benefits and compensation practice. Fleur has over 20 years of experience specializing in employee incentives and benefits, with a particular focus on the technology and life sciences sectors. She counsels on cross-border transactions and has extensive experience in advising on incentive arrangements in the context of both acquisitions and investments in the UK.
M. Madeleine Boshart
Partner
Madeleine focuses on all aspects of employee benefits and executive compensation.
Brandon Gantus
Partner
Brandon Gantus is a partner in the San Francisco office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and a co-leader of the firm's employee benefits and compensation practice. His practice focuses on the representation of public and private companies in their compensation and employee benefits matters, with a particular emphasis on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions.
Michael D. Klippert
Partner
Michael Klippert is a partner in Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's employee benefits and compensation practice. Michael represents a wide range of public and private companies with respect to compensation and benefit matters, particularly within the technology, medical device manufacturing, and life science sectors.
Sriram Krishnamurthy
Partner
Sriram Krishnamurthy is a partner in the New York office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and the leader of the firm's employee benefits and compensation practice. His practice focuses on the representation of private and public high-technology and growth companies in regard to executive compensation and employee benefits matters, with a particular emphasis on private company secondary liquidity transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets transactions.
David S. Thomas
Partner
For more than 20 years, Dave has provided legal and practical guidance on compensation and benefits issues to companies of all sizes.
Jaqueline Tokuda
Partner
Jaqueline focuses on the representation of public and private companies and individuals in executive compensation and employee benefits matters.
Michelle Wallin
Partner
Michelle advises companies on executive compensation and employee benefits matters.
Matthew C. Norgard
Partner-Elect
Matthew Norgard is a partner-elect in the New York office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he practices employee benefits and compensation law, focusing on the representation of private and public high technology and growth companies. As part of his practice, Matthew advises U.S. and international clients on the design, drafting, and administration of equity-based compensation programs (including stock option, restricted stock, and other equity arrangements); employment, consulting, retention, severance, change in control, and deferred compensation arrangements; and the associated tax (including Section 409A), accounting, ERISA, and securities law implications.
Related Practices
Recent Insights
Press Releases
Wilson Sonsini Expands Corporate Practice as Compensation and Benefits Partner Brandon Gantus Rejoins the Firm
Contact:
Kimberly Brooks
Wilson Sonsini
+1 212.453.2881
kbrooks@wsgr.com
Kimberly Brooks
Wilson Sonsini
+1 212.453.2881
kbrooks@wsgr.com
Learn More
Alerts
FAQs: UK Employee Equity Incentive Annual Reporting Deadline Approaching
Companies operating employee equity incentive arrangements in the United Kingdom, including companies incorporated or registered outside of the United Kingdom, are mandated to file an online annual return with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) no later than July 6, 2024. Failure to do so for required companies will lead to automatic penalties applying. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Learn More
Recent Events
Affiliated Programs
NextGen VC Forum - NYC 2024
LaunchBio’s NextGen VC Forum is the premiere event for mid-level venture capital associates to expand their skills and expertise while growing their network. Attendees benefit from curated education sessions from industry leaders to supplement existing expertise. Networking is essential in sourcing deals and one of the primary roles for associates, we’ve built it into the program for participants to be able to walk away with new life science and biotech contacts. The half-day forum created with Wilson Sonsini includes a networking lunch, three one-hour sessions, and a happy hour.
Learn More
Affiliated Programs
The L Suite Webinar: Key Considerations for Navigating Pre-IPO Equity Compensation
Join Brandon Gantus and Christopher Porcelli for a comprehensive discussion on pre-IPO equity compensation considerations, focusing on practical tips and strategies for companies to consider as they prepare for an IPO. This webinar will explore the shift from stock options to RSUs, 409A valuation timing, implications for expiring options and underwater options, and best practices for structuring equity plans that align with company growth and employee retention goals through and following an IPO. We will provide actionable insights for navigating the complexities of pre-IPO equity compensation.
Learn More
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