Kimberly B Wethly

Kimberly Wethly advises clients on the full range of executive compensation and employment‑related matters, with a particular focus on the design, implementation and administration of equity awards and other equity‑based compensation programs, including complex structures for both private and public companies. Clients note that she “is among the best executive compensation lawyers in the United States, demonstrating both deep expertise and pragmatism.”

Ms. Wethly is recognized for her extensive experience across the tax, corporate, securities and accounting aspects of executive compensation. She represents public and privately held companies, boards of directors and compensation committees, as well as corporate executives and management teams. Her work includes advising on compensation program design and compliance, and she regularly counsels clients in connection with mergers and acquisitions, dispositions, spinoffs, company formations, financings, restructurings and public offerings.

Her broad practice also includes nonqualified deferred compensation plans, incentive plans, and executive, retention, severance and change‑in‑control arrangements. She frequently guides companies preparing for initial public offerings, including developing post‑IPO equity incentive plans and employee stock purchase plans. In addition, she has significant experience assisting public and private companies with option repricings and related tender offer documentation.

Ms. Wethly also advises founders and emerging companies on equity and compensation structures through WilmerHale Launch, where she regularly supports startups navigating growth, fundraising and employee‑related compensation issues.

Ms. Wethly is a member of the American Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association and the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals.