Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
USA Guide 2024 : Illinois
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 312 861 8800About
Provided by Baker McKenzie
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.
Chambers Review
Baker McKenzie has robust capabilities in advising on global compensation matters. The firm offers services in connection to a range of plans, including retirement and benefit plans. It is well placed to handle benefit and compensation issues concerning complex deals. The firm's client roster includes a host of high-profile multinational corporations.
Work Highlights
- Baker McKenzie assisted Ecolab in its acquisition of Purolite, coordinating all phases of employee benefits due diligence on a global basis and negotiating the benefits and compensation aspects of the acquisition agreement.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team is able to handle complex and sophisticated matters with timely and detailed responses."
"The team is able to handle complex and sophisticated matters with timely and detailed responses."
Notable Practitioners
Aimee Soodan is regularly sought by high-profile clients to advise on benefits matters arising out of large corporate transactions. She is extremely well versed in all aspects of employee benefits, with particular expertise in equity compensation matters.
"We value Aimee's insight, and awareness on what we are trying to accomplish through our programs. She is very responsive."
Brian Wydajewski heads the global equity services group in Baker McKenzie's Chicago office. He has a wealth of experience assisting with domestic and international employee benefits and compensation mandates, particularly on behalf of financial services and healthcare sector clients.
Ranked Lawyers at
Baker McKenzie
Illinois
Members
Provided by Baker McKenzie
Angelique Poret-Kahn
Christopher Guldberg
Narendra Acharya
Tulsi Karamchandani