Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

Hunton’s employee benefits and executive compensation group brings to the table in-depth experience and a broad range of resources. From the most straightforward 401(k) plan to complex multi-formula defined benefit pension plans, our group’s extensive experience and capabilities are on-call for our clients. We have assisted in the design, implementation and ongoing administration of all types of benefit programs, including:

• 401(k), cash balance, 403(b) and other "qualified" retirement plans
• Executive and other "nonqualified" deferred compensation programs
• Equity-based compensation arrangements
• Health and welfare benefit programs

In connection with mergers and acquisitions, we assist public and private businesses with due diligence reviews, issue identification, negotiation of representations, covenants and indemnifications, post-transaction contract and regulatory compliance, as well as plan implementation in the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of transactions. Our lawyers have also worked with clients to address the employee benefit aspects of employment, severance and other executive agreements ranging from the simplest contract to the most complex senior-level executive arrangements. We are experienced in dealing with governmental agencies such as the IRS, DOL and PBGC. While proactive measures are highly effective in managing risk, conflicts will inevitably arise, and we readily and aggressively support clients in any ERISA litigation challenges.