Department profile
Thompson Hine LLP

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

USA Guide 2026 : Ohio


Thompson Hine LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Thompson Hine LLP

Our national Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice, consisting of approximately 25 professionals, offers decades of experience delivering exceptional, efficient guidance to a broad range of U.S. and global businesses, including 30+ Fortune 1000 companies. We are known for our knowledgeable, experienced team and cost-effective legal services and have been recognized by Chambers USA as a leading practice for nearly 20 years. 

Our group works collaboratively to advise clients across the country on all aspects of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, enlisting assistance from other firm practices when needed. We constantly monitor and review benefits-related legal and regulatory developments and leverage our experience with federal agencies and our relationships with key government officials to provide proactive advice and help companies design, implement and administer innovative, customized, compliant programs. Our insight and depth of practice uniquely enable us to assist our clients’ legal and human resources departments to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We regularly publish alerts on trending legal and regulatory issues. We invest in our client relationships and provide educational programs and training sessions to help clients navigate the rapidly changing legal landscape.

Industries (6)

  • ERISA litigation
  • Executive compensation
  • Fiduciary counseling
  • Health and welfare plans
  • Health care reform
  • Retirement plans

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation - Ohio

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Thompson Hine is a go-to practice for significant national and international clients, as well as Ohio-based companies. The team is in demand for handling ACA compliance and the benefit and compensation components of transactions, as well as advising on plan structuring. Its attorneys are noted for their capabilities in ESOP counseling, work in fiduciary governance, and sector expertise, which covers healthcare, financial services and energy, among others.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Thompson Hine assisted Nouryon Chemicals with various matters relating to its US retirement plans, including plan design, compliance, governance and fiduciary matters.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Thompson Hine always handles things quickly and easily so it doesn't feel like anything we ask is too difficult for it even if it's a complex issue.

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • Thompson Hine is a great firm with exceptional attorneys.

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • Thompson Hine does an amazing job at balancing the provision of practical advice with technical expertise.

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1J Shane Starkey
    Band 1J Shane Starkey

    J Shane Starkey

    Shane Starkey has a strong parallel tax practice and is well equipped to advise public corporations on a comprehensive array of executive compensation arrangements.

    • Shane Starkey is at the top of his field. He provides quick and accurate advice in the format that I can best use.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
    • Shane has assisted us in understanding and navigating complex topics in executive compensation. He is clearly an expert in his field and a reliable source.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • Band 1Julia Ann Love
    Band 1Julia Ann Love

    Julia Ann Love

    Julia Ann Love is experienced in healthcare plans and reform. She also leads the firm's employee benefits and executive compensation practice.

  • Band 2David A Whaley
    Band 2David A Whaley

    David A Whaley

    David Whaley's work for businesses and nonprofit entities includes the formation and implementation of ESOPs and deferred compensation arrangements.

    • David is very good at ESOP transactions. He is deep in that world and knows what he's doing.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
    • David is a talented attorney.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • Band 2Kim Wilcoxon
    Band 2Kim Wilcoxon

    Kim Wilcoxon

    Kim Wilcoxon is particularly well-versed in Affordable Care Act issues and other group health plan regulations.

    • Kim Wilcoxon is an excellent ERISA health and welfare lawyer.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
    • Kim Wilcoxon is a talented attorney.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • Band 3Laura Ryan
    Band 3Laura Ryan

    Laura Ryan

    Laura Ryan assists clients with retirement and health and welfare plan design, maintenance and termination.

    • Laura has expertly handled ERISA and benefits needs. She can always be relied on to give clear advice and assistance very quickly every time.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • Band 3Timothy R Brown
    Band 3Timothy R Brown

    Timothy R Brown

    Timothy Brown's work encompasses the full gamut of issues relating to retirement and health and welfare plans, including fiduciary compliance.

    • His proactive communication, strategic perspective and ability to bring the right experts to the table make him an invaluable extension of our team.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
  • Up and ComingBeth Mandel
    Up and ComingBeth Mandel

    Beth Mandel

    Beth Mandel regularly advises on matters related to health and welfare benefit programs. She is well-versed in ERISA and ACA compliance.

    • Beth is very knowledgeable and responsive.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA
    • Beth is a health and welfare specialist. She is highly specialised and very good in that space.

      Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Thompson Hine LLP (7)

Ohio

  • Profile image of J Shane Starkey

    J Shane Starkey

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

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  • Profile image of Julia Ann Love

    Julia Ann Love

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

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  • Profile image of David A Whaley

    David A Whaley

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

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  • Profile image of Kim Wilcoxon

    Kim Wilcoxon

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

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  • Profile image of Timothy R Brown

    Timothy R Brown

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

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  • Profile image of Beth Mandel

    Beth Mandel

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

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Members

Provided by Thompson Hine LLP

Thompson Hine LLP has rankings in the following guides

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