Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

Our Chicago Compensation practice is known for our expertise and extensive track record in advising on global equity compensation matters, where we provide comprehensive guidance to multinational issuers on issues that arise when granting stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other forms of equity and cash-based incentive compensation, including offering employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP") participation, to employees on a global basis. Between all of our North American offices, we have advised nearly 1,000 companies on equity compensation and incentive plan implementation and compliance issues in almost 200 countries, and we are widely considered as the premier legal adviser in this space.

We also have an active pensions practice and we advise on fiduciary issues for defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, including investments in real property (such as employer real property) and other alternative investments, including private investment pools and plan assets funds.

Our lawyers have deep knowledge and expertise with respect to the complexities of Code Section 280G as it relates to mergers and acquisitions, and regularly apply those rules in calculations designed to help clients better understand their options and make effective decisions regarding change in control arrangements. We also routinely advise clients on the application of Code Sections 409A and 457A to their incentive and deferred compensation arrangements.