About

Provided by Troutman Pepper Locke LLP

Employers face complex and competitive pressures that can impact their ability to attract and retain top talent. Our dedicated, well-resourced team of employee benefits and executive compensation attorneys provides practical guidance for these challenges throughout the lifecycles of our clients’ businesses.

As employers continue to grapple with persistent change, we create solutions for employee benefits and executive compensation issues that help mitigate risk and forward our clients’ goals. Clients work with us on every aspect of their compensation, benefits, and compliance needs — from designing, drafting, and implementing plans and agreements to counseling on compliance, fiduciary duties, and plan administration.

We regularly assist clients on the complexities arising from their significant transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Our team applies best practices from serving as outside benefits and compensation compliance counsel to also assist with post-transaction integrations.

Through client work in all major sectors, including energy, insurance, health care, financial services, private equity, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and technology, we offer industry-specific insights and perspectives. Our team regularly serves tax-exempt and governmental entities as well, and we work extensively with boards of directors, compensation and investment committees, plan fiduciaries, plan administrators, and other benefits consultants.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation - North Carolina

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP fields a highly respected team with expertise across the full span of employee benefits and executive compensation law. It is noted for its advice on compliance with the Affordable Care Act, the treatment of EBEC plans in corporate transactions, class actions and relations with the IRS and other administrative bodies. On 1st January 2025, Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord merged to form Troutman Pepper Locke LLP.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Emily D. Zimmer
1
Emily D. Zimmer
1
Band 1
Emily Zimmer is well regarded for her magisterial expertise with regard to ERISA and IRS compliance.
"Emily is knowledgeable and responsive."
James E Earle
1
James E Earle
1
Band 1
James Earle comes recommended for his experience advising employers on a variety of compensation and benefits concerns, including the design of incentive and stock plans.
"Jim's expertise in executive compensation is unmatched."
"He has a deep understanding of the issues arising in connection with executive severance plans and the ability to clearly articulate key concerns. He's helpful, responsive and a great business partner."
"Jim is the finest executive compensation attorney I have ever worked with. He is knowledgeable, pragmatic and responsive"
Lynne Wakefield
1
Lynne Wakefield
1
Band 1
Lynne Wakefield assists clients with the design, administration and compliance of retirement, health and welfare, and other employee benefit plans.
"I love working with Lynne. She provides great insight that helps us make informed decisions."
"While she is exceptionally proficient and talented, Lynne is also very personable and easy to work with. She is an exceptional attorney."
Lydia Parker
U
Lydia Parker
U
Up and Coming
Charlotte-based Lydia Parker assists clients with the full gamut of employee benefits matters, including plan design, implementation and compliance.
"I enjoy working with Lydia. She is very helpful and insightful and keeps our meetings useful and organized. She also keeps on top of issues that are changing in our industry."

Ranked Lawyers at
Troutman Pepper Locke LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

North Carolina

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

Emily D. Zimmer
1
Emily D. Zimmer
1
Band 1
James E Earle
1
James E Earle
1
Band 1
Lynne Wakefield
1
Lynne Wakefield
1
Band 1
Lydia Parker
U
Lydia Parker
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Troutman Pepper Locke LLP