Ranking tables
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation | USA
New York
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 1
- Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP 19 Years Ranked
- Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 19 Years Ranked
- Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 19 Years Ranked
- Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP 19 Years Ranked
- Proskauer Rose LLP 19 Years Ranked
- Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP 19 Years Ranked
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates 19 Years Ranked
- Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 19 Years Ranked
- Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz 19 Years Ranked
Band 2
- Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP 11 Years Ranked
- Dechert LLP 5 Years Ranked
- Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP 19 Years Ranked
- Latham & Watkins LLP 15 Years Ranked
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP 16 Years Ranked
- Shearman & Sterling LLP 19 Years Ranked
- Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP 15 Years Ranked
- Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP 7 Years Ranked
Band 3
Senior Statespeople
Band 1
- Brian D Robbins Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP17 Years Ranked
- Gregory Grogan Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP13 Years Ranked
- Jeannemarie O'Brien Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz17 Years Ranked
- Kyoko Takahashi Lin Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP10 Years Ranked
- Lawrence K Cagney Debevoise & Plimpton LLP20 Years Ranked
- Marc R Trevino Sullivan & Cromwell LLP16 Years Ranked
- Michael J Albano Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP13 Years Ranked
- Andrew L OringerWagner Law Group
Band 2
- Andrea K Wahlquist Brown Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP14 Years Ranked
- Andrew L Gaines Linklaters14 Years Ranked
- Bradd L Williamson Latham & Watkins LLP18 Years Ranked
- David M Cohen Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP15 Years Ranked
- Donald P Carleen Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP20 Years Ranked
- Eric W Hilfers Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP13 Years Ranked
- Howard Pianko Seyfarth Shaw LLP16 Years Ranked
- Ira G Bogner Proskauer Rose LLP10 Years Ranked
- Jean M McLoughlin Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP12 Years Ranked
- Jeffrey Ross Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP13 Years Ranked
- Matthew M Friestedt Sullivan & Cromwell LLP13 Years Ranked
- Paul J Wessel Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP15 Years Ranked
- Scott D Price Kirkland & Ellis LLP15 Years Ranked
- Steven Rabitz Dechert LLP14 Years Ranked
Band 3
- Adam J Shapiro Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz6 Years Ranked
- Amy M Rubin Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP13 Years Ranked
- Andrea S Rattner Proskauer Rose LLP11 Years Ranked
- Andrew Bernstein Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC10 Years Ranked
- David E. Rubinsky Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP7 Years Ranked
- Doreen Lilienfeld Shearman & Sterling LLP10 Years Ranked
- Erica Schohn Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates9 Years Ranked
- Henrik Patel White & Case LLP2 Years Ranked
- James Frazier Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP12 Years Ranked
- Jennifer S Conway Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP14 Years Ranked
- John J Cannon Shearman & Sterling LLP16 Years Ranked
- Jonathan Lewis Debevoise & Plimpton LLP15 Years Ranked
- Jordan A Messinger Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP3 Years Ranked
- Lawrence Witdorchic Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP14 Years Ranked
- Lori D Goodman Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US3 Years Ranked
- Manan (Mike) Shah Milbank LLP8 Years Ranked
- Michael A Katz Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP5 Years Ranked
- David OlsteinHogan Lovells US LLP
Band 4
- Allie Alperovich Ropes & Gray LLP2 Years Ranked
- Austin Lilling Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP3 Years Ranked
- Brian Jebb Allen & Overy LLP2 Years Ranked
- Carol Buckmann Cohen & Buckmann, P.C.3 Years Ranked
- Craig Bitman Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP4 Years Ranked
- David Teigman Proskauer Rose LLP2 Years Ranked
- Gillian Emmett Moldowan Shearman & Sterling LLP3 Years Ranked
- Howard B Adler Clifford Chance US LLP11 Years Ranked
- Ian Levin Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP7 Years Ranked
- Jarrett R. Hoffman Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP5 Years Ranked
- Jeannine McSweeney Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP2 Years Ranked
- Jeffrey Crandall Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP9 Years Ranked
- Joseph M Penko Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates3 Years Ranked
- Lauri London Cohen & Buckmann, P.C.2 Years Ranked
- Martha Steinman Hogan Lovells US LLP8 Years Ranked
- Mary Hevener Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP10 Years Ranked
- Michael J. Album Proskauer Rose LLP1 Years Ranked
- Michael Krasnovsky Kirkland & Ellis4 Years Ranked
- Michael Nissan Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP6 Years Ranked
- Paul R Koppel Clifford Chance US LLP2 Years Ranked
- Robert Projansky Proskauer Rose LLP6 Years Ranked
- Ronald Richman Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP6 Years Ranked
- Sarah Downie Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP3 Years Ranked
- Scott Landau Winston & Strawn LLP3 Years Ranked
Up and Coming
- Amanda Hines Gold Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP2 Years Ranked
- Danna R Kivell Ropes & Gray LLP2 Years Ranked
- Gina L Lauriero Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP2 Years Ranked
- Jonathan Katz Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP3 Years Ranked
- Josh Lichtenstein Ropes & Gray LLP2 Years Ranked
- Julia L Petty Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP2 Years Ranked
- Meir Katz Debevoise & Plimpton LLP3 Years Ranked
- Michelle Capezza Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC2 Years Ranked
- Robin Melman Baker Botts L.L.P.2 Years Ranked
- Sriram Krishnamurthy Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati2 Years Ranked
- Veronica Wissel Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP3 Years Ranked
Associates to watch
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 1 | 19 Years RankedWidely celebrated employee benefits and executive compensation group that assists private and public companies in connection with executive compensation and benefits, including in relation to high-value M&A. Advises private equity firms and financial institutions with ERISA issues as well as providing ERISA litigation counsel for retirement plans. Clients benefit from its offices in various key locations worldwide.1 Davis Polk & Wardwell LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 1 | 19 Years RankedDavis Polk & Wardwell LLP is highly regarded for its comprehensive expertise in advising on a wide range of benefits and executive compensation issues within a transactional context, including M&A, private equity and joint ventures. Acts on behalf of high-ranking individuals, financial institutions and boards of directors, while also excelling in matters pertaining to the investment management space. Clients benefit from its experience appearing before various governmental agencies.1 Debevoise & Plimpton LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 1 | 19 Years RankedDebevoise & Plimpton LLP offers robust assistance on employee benefits and executive compensation matters arising at the junction of ERISA, tax, securities and corporate governance law. Advises on a number of issues including ERISA fiduciary responsibilities, compensation and benefit plans design and legal compliance. Regularly advises boards of directors, senior management and companies.1 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 1 | 19 Years RankedWell-respected group, concentrating its practice on providing advice on employee benefits and management compensation matters arising within the context of M&A, as well as corporate restructures. Sought after for its experience handling a wide array of matters including ERISA issues, deferred and equity-based compensations, as well as fiduciary issues arising in connection with such compensations. Works closely alongside the firm's litigation team to provide first-rate representation in ERISA disputes, including claims of breach of fiduciary duty.1 Proskauer Rose LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 1 | 19 Years RankedDistinguished national practice operating out of various offices across the USA. Widely praised for its deep bench and ability to handle the full scope of employee benefits and executive compensation matters arising within a transactional, contentious, compliance or advisory framework. Has particular strength in single-employer and multi-employer plan compliance and advising on ERISA fiduciary investments in relation to private equity. Also known for its handling of matters connected with the Affordable Care Act and healthcare reform.1 Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 1 | 19 Years RankedA respected private equity and M&A firm that offers a multi-disciplinary approach to a wide range of employee benefits and executive compensation arrangements. Primarily acts on behalf of private equity industry clients, compensation committees and public boards of directors. Provides advice in regard to spin-offs and IPOs as well as hirings and separations in relation to senior management. Its impressive client base is composed of both national and multinational corporations.1 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & AffiliatesEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 1 | 19 Years RankedPreeminent group within the employee benefits and executive compensation Bar in New York, providing advice on a broad range of issues including consultation of senior executives in connection with their employment agreements and ERISA-related fiduciary responsibilities, as well as matters arising under Sections 409A, 280G and 162(m). Maintains its reputation as a go-to M&A shop and is routinely sought out by a variety of clients such as private and public companies, financial services institutions, boards of directors and executives. Also provides advice to clients in regard to international employment matters in international transactions and global equity settings.1 Sullivan & Cromwell LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 1 | 19 Years RankedHighly regarded for its expertise in assisting various clients, including executives, compensation committees and companies, on executive compensation matters arising in connection with corporate issues such as M&A, bankruptcies and joint ventures. Also has experience advising on employee benefit plans, including ERISA and IRC fiduciary responsibilities. Known for its regular involvement in major transactions, including international deals. Also advises in connection with executive hires and separations.1 Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & KatzEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 1 | 19 Years RankedHighly regarded for representing management of private and public corporations in employee benefits and executive compensation issues arising within a transactional and nontransactional framework. Particularly well known for its experience in significant M&A. Among the matters handled are executive compensation programs, board structuring and executive succession.
Band 2
2 Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 2 | 11 Years RankedProvides assistance to national and global companies in designing and applying various executive compensation arrangements in connection with M&A transactions. Advises on the compliance of various benefits and compensation arrangements with ERISA, securities and tax law and accounting issues. Also advises CEOs and other senior executives in connection with their employment and severance agreements.2 Dechert LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 2 | 5 Years RankedHighly regarded team with a global reach, equipped to handle a broad range of benefits and compensation matters, from equity compensation to ERISA plans. Noted for its work supporting clients in major transactions. Particularly adept at representing global financial institutions.2 Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 2 | 19 Years RankedRegularly consulted by public and private companies on the basis of its expertise in handling a range of employee benefits and executive compensation matters arising within the context of M&A. Regularly provides counsel to clients on matters such as employment agreements, deferred compensation, equity-based compensation plans and retirement plans. Also well known for assisting private equity and hedge fund clients with their fiduciary responsibilities and compliance with ERISA.2 Latham & Watkins LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 2 | 15 Years RankedProvides assistance on a number of employee benefits and executive compensation issues, with particular prowess in governance and regulatory matters, cash and stock-based incentives, employee and management compensation and pensions. Regularly advises boards of directors, companies and private equity firms regarding compensation and benefits matters arising from high-value M&A and IPOs.2 Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 2 | 16 Years RankedAdvises on a wide array of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including 401(k) plans, employee stock ownership plans, health and welfare plans, ERISA and the benefits and compensation issues arising out of corporate transactions. Has sector-specific experience pertaining to the pharmaceutical, technology, hospitality and energy industries, among others, with clients including major multinationals, midsized companies, start-ups and tax-exempt organizations. Has recently acted for a number of executive teams.2 Shearman & Sterling LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 2 | 19 Years RankedFormidable employee benefits and executive compensation group with experience representing clients in the financial services, fashion and retail, media and entertainment and technology sectors, among others. Advises corporations as well as individual executives on an array of matters including M&A benefits and compensation, deferred compensation, retirement plan formation and implementation, and ERISA. Also advises compensation committees and boards of directors in connection with governance processes surrounding compensation matters. Regularly advises on cross-border issues.2 Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 2 | 15 Years RankedA practice that handles the full spectrum of employee benefits and managerial compensation matters for a variety of clients, including financial institutions, boards of directors and private equity sponsors. Advises on various issues such as non-qualified pension plans and incentive compensation arrangements, especially when arising within a transactional framework, such as strategic acquisitions and IPOs. Also adept at providing advice and support to clients on ERISA.2 Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 2 | 7 Years RankedA broad-ranging benefits and compensation practice, advising boards of directors and compensation committees on day-to-day matters as well as major corporate transactions. Also advises asset managers, investment banks and plan sponsors in connection with ERISA obligations.
Band 3
3 Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 3 | 13 Years RankedHighlighted for its handling of a wide spectrum of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including those in connection with M&A, equity-based compensation plans, welfare and retirement plans. Acts on behalf of an enviable roster of clients featuring companies, senior management, compensation committees and boards of directors. Offers significant experience of acting for clients to seek relief and guidance from the DOL, achieving a number of notable ERISA exemptions and interpretations.3 Kirkland & Ellis LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedPrivate equity powerhouse with notable expertise advising management teams, senior executives and corporations on a range of compensation matters. Offers particular strength in handling issues arising from major corporate transactions, including M&A, buyouts and restructurings.3 Ropes & Gray LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 3 | 2 Years RankedRopes & Gray LLP is recognized for its expert representation of private equity firms and their portfolio companies in executive compensation and employee benefits issues. The team is particularly skilled in benefits and compensation issues involved in M&A and SPAC transactions. The firm's experience includes advising asset managers on ERISA Title I.3 Schulte Roth & Zabel LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 3 | 7 Years RankedA diverse practice that provides advice to corporate clients, non-profits, educational institutions and fiduciaries. Handles a broad range of compensation and benefits matters including ERISA class actions, withdrawal liability arbitrations and stock options. Has recently handled a number of complex contentious matters.3 Seyfarth Shaw LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 3 | 11 Years RankedRespected for handling all employee benefits and executive compensation matters including health and welfare arrangements, defined contribution and benefit plans, fiduciary responsibility issues, executive remuneration and multiemployer plans. Has significant experience in acting on behalf of notable employers and advising on the benefits facets of corporate deals. Particularly noted for its representation of health systems, while also recognized for its work with financial institutions.
Band 4
4 Freshfields Bruckhaus DeringerEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 4 | 1 Years RankedFreshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is sought after by global multinationals, including household names in tech, manufacturing and media, for the knottiest employee benefits and executive compensation matters. Much of their work is cross-border, often spanning multiple jurisdictions.4 Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PCEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedMintz has a highly capable team with notable strength advising executives, management teams and corporations on strategic employment and compensation issues, including in the context of M&A and financing transactions. The team is also adept in employee benefits matters, advising plan sponsors on plan design and administration.4 White & Case LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2023 | Band 4 | 6 Years RankedWhite & Case LLP's employment, compensation and benefits group advises on the full span of work, taking in contentious, restructuring and transactional work. The group is well known for private equity and portfolio work, public company advisory and complex restructurings.