Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

With deep experience in all aspects of ERISA and the compensation and benefits provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, Goodwin provides comprehensive, practical advice to clients in a range of industries, both public and private. We have deep expertise in all aspects of executive compensation matters, including tax, accounting, corporate governance and securities law issues. We advise employers and investors on the implementation and operation of stock option and stock purchase plans, and other equity-based executive compensation programs, such as those involving restricted stock, restricted stock units, phantom equity and profits interests. We also have extensive experience addressing issues relating to cash incentive plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements, particularly with respect to the issues raised by Sections 409A and 457A of the Code. Our clients are located throughout the U.S. and include banks and other financial services companies, real estate investment trusts, technology and life sciences companies, hospitality companies, and private equity and venture-backed companies.