Department profile
Hill Ward Henderson

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

USA Guide 2026 : Florida


Hill Ward Henderson

Rankings

About

Provided by Hill Ward Henderson

Hill Ward Henderson's Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice provides a full range of services to clients relating to retirement plans, health and welfare plans, fringe benefit plans, cafeteria plans and executive compensation arrangements. The group has over 75 years of combined experience in this area. Our attorneys advise clients on all matters related to the design, implementation, administration, operation, merger, and termination of all types of employee benefits and executive compensation plans. Our attorneys regularly advise clients on benefit issues that arise as part of corporate mergers and acquisition transactions, and routinely provide advice regarding equity compensation and executive compensation arrangements. 

Our attorneys represent clients before various federal and state agencies, including the Department of Labor, Florida Department of Revenue, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and Internal Revenue Service, with respect to audits, investigations, submissions, and notices. Our practice group also has extensive experience with respect to health and welfare benefits programs including but not limited to the application of PPACA and the recent increase in IRS penalty assessments.

Clients include public and private companies, tax-exempt organizations, professional employer organizations, professional associations, and financial institutions throughout the country.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation - Florida

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Hill Ward Henderson is a highly sought-after employee benefits practice, with experience advising on all aspects of benefit plan design, amendment and operation. The firm is knowledgeable about a wide array of employee benefit plans, including retirement, fringe benefit and health and welfare plans. Its attorneys assist clients with ERISA disputes as well as in connection with IRS plan examinations. The group frequently advises clients in the healthcare space, among others.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Hill Ward Henderson advised Semilab International on the employee benefits aspects of its sale of US operations to Onto Innovation.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have always been helpful and guided us through new laws.

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • The team has years of experience and knowledge regarding ERISA and retirement plans.

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • It was obvious from the first discussion, that they had a keen understanding of the issues that needed to be dealt with and they provided direction in a way that was easy to understand.

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • They have a wealth of experience and knowledge of our industry and are trusted partners.

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleAlton C Ward
    Senior StatespeopleAlton C Ward

    Alton C Ward

    Alton Ward is a seasoned employee benefits lawyer. He is widely respected by clients and peers for his expertise in the employee benefits space.
  • Band 2Bret Hamlin
    Band 2Bret Hamlin

    Bret Hamlin

    Bret Hamlin has a broad employee benefits and executive compensation practice. He frequently counsels clients on single employer and multi-employer retirement plans, as well as health and welfare plans.

    • I value his experience and knowledge, he is extremely trustworthy and ethical.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • Band 2Kirsten L Vignec
    Band 2Kirsten L Vignec

    Kirsten L Vignec

    Tampa-based Kirsten Vignec chairs Hill Ward Henderson's executive compensation and employee benefits practice. She regularly advises clients on employee benefits matters arising from M&A transactions.
    • Kirsten has always been an excellent thought partner as we develop new strategies and ideas.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
    • She is always helpful and responsive.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
    • Kirsten was awesome to work with and put forth tremendous effort to serve us throughout this transaction process.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • Up and ComingTimothy Zehnder
    Up and ComingTimothy Zehnder

    Timothy Zehnder

    Timothy Zehnder regularly acts on a wide range executive compensation and employee benefits matters, advising employers in relation to compliance issues with IRS.

    • Timothy is an excellent thought partner as we develop our strategies for growth and improvement.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Hill Ward Henderson (4)

Florida

Members

Provided by Hill Ward Henderson

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