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Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation | USA

USA - Nationwide

This section covers the full range of matters involving employee benefits and compensation plans including advising on the design and implementation thereof, as well as related taxation issues. It also includes advice on executive compensation agreements and benefits matters pertaining to corporate transactions. Moreover, it includes contentious matters pertaining to the implementation of benefit plans. Please also see ERISA Litigation for disputes brought under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

Rankings overview for Departments

1
Band 1
  1. Groom Law Group, Chartered
    Groom Law Group, Chartered 14 Years Ranked
  2. Latham & Watkins LLP
    Latham & Watkins LLP 14 Years Ranked
  3. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP 14 Years Ranked
  4. Proskauer Rose LLP
    Proskauer Rose LLP 14 Years Ranked
2
Band 2
  1. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
    Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP 14 Years Ranked
  2. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
    Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 14 Years Ranked
  3. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
    Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 8 Years Ranked
  4. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
    Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP 3 Years Ranked
  5. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
    Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP 14 Years Ranked
  6. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates 14 Years Ranked
  7. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
    Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 14 Years Ranked
  8. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
    Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz 7 Years Ranked
3
Band 3
  1. Baker McKenzie
    Baker McKenzie 5 Years Ranked
  2. Covington & Burling LLP
    Covington & Burling LLP 14 Years Ranked
  3. Kirkland & Ellis
    Kirkland & Ellis 4 Years Ranked
  4. McDermott Will & Emery LLP
    McDermott Will & Emery LLP 14 Years Ranked
  5. Ropes & Gray LLP
    Ropes & Gray LLP 13 Years Ranked
4
Band 4
  1. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
    Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP 7 Years Ranked
  2. Dechert LLP
    Dechert LLP 1 Years Ranked
  3. Faegre Drinker
    Faegre Drinker 3 Years Ranked
  4. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
    Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP 3 Years Ranked
  5. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 3 Years Ranked
  6. Jones Day
    Jones Day 12 Years Ranked
  7. Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP 4 Years Ranked
  8. Shearman & Sterling LLP
    Shearman & Sterling LLP 3 Years Ranked
  9. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
    Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP 3 Years Ranked
  10. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
    Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP 3 Years Ranked
  11. Winston & Strawn LLP
    Winston & Strawn LLP 4 Years Ranked
5
Band 5
  1. Alston & Bird LLP
    Alston & Bird LLP 5 Years Ranked
  2. Baker Botts L.L.P.
    Baker Botts L.L.P. 5 Years Ranked
  3. Cooley LLP
    Cooley LLP 2 Years Ranked
  4. DLA Piper LLP (US)
    DLA Piper LLP (US) 2 Years Ranked
  5. Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
    Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP 1 Years Ranked
  6. Goodwin
    Goodwin 3 Years Ranked
  7. Haynes and Boone, LLP
    Haynes and Boone, LLP 3 Years Ranked
  8. Holland & Knight LLP
    Holland & Knight LLP 2 Years Ranked
  9. Mayer Brown LLP
    Mayer Brown LLP 14 Years Ranked
  10. Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP 3 Years Ranked
  11. Sidley Austin LLP
    Sidley Austin LLP 14 Years Ranked
  12. Trucker Huss APC
    Trucker Huss APC 1 Years Ranked
  13. Vinson & Elkins LLP
    Vinson & Elkins LLP 2 Years Ranked

All Departments profiles

1
Band 1
  1. Groom Law Group, Chartered
    1
    Groom Law Group, Chartered
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 1 | 14 Years Ranked
    Groom Law Group, Chartered is a boutique employee benefits firm celebrated for its breadth, advising on the full panoply of employee benefits and compensation issues including health and welfare, ERISA Title I fiduciary responsibility matters, multiemployer plans and executive compensation arrangements. The group regularly advises corporate clients on the design and implementation of various executive compensation arrangements, including deferred compensation and equity compensation plans.
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  2. Latham & Watkins LLP
    1
    Latham & Watkins LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 1 | 14 Years Ranked
    Latham & Watkins LLP has a well-respected executive compensation and employee benefits group, advising corporations and boards of directors on corporate governance and commercial transactions. It provides assistance with a wide range of matters including stock and cash-based incentives, deferred compensation, pensions and equity plan alterations. The firm offers notable strengths in cross-border transactions.
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  3. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    1
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 1 | 14 Years Ranked
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP houses a celebrated employee benefits and executive compensation group with significant bench strength and presence across the USA. It is sought after for its extensive expertise in a myriad of employee benefits and compensation issues including health and welfare plans and equity compensation arrangements. The firm also frequently handles issues arising from M&A.
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  4. Proskauer Rose LLP
    1
    Proskauer Rose LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 1 | 14 Years Ranked
    Proskauer Rose LLP is highly respected for its comprehensive expertise in a wide variety of employee benefits and compensation issues, including single and multiemployer plan compliance and ERISA litigation. The firm regularly advises clients on employee benefits arrangements affected by complex commercial transactions. It also fields expertise in the design and implementation of high-level executive compensation programs.
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2
Band 2
  1. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
    2
    Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 2 | 14 Years Ranked
    Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP has a preeminent employee benefits and executive compensation group advising on high-level corporate transactions. Its particular strengths include advising on ERISA compliance and executive compensation arrangements. The department regularly provides counsel to financial institutions, corporate clients and private equity firms.
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  2. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
    2
    Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 2 | 14 Years Ranked
    Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has a formidable practice handling complex executive compensation and employee benefits issues on behalf of major corporations and financial organizations. Particularly experienced in providing governance advice surrounding commercial transactions, including M&A, joint ventures and spinouts.
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  3. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
    2
    Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 2 | 8 Years Ranked
    Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is recommended for its ability to provide an interdisciplinary approach. The group combines expertise in the areas of tax and securities law, ERISA and corporate governance in order to tackle the complexities of executive compensation and benefits issues. It is a strong choice to navigate M&A-related employee benefits and executive compensation matters. The firm serves a broad client list consisting of several blue-chip corporations and private equity firms.
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  4. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
    2
    Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 2 | 3 Years Ranked
    Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP has a highly regarded practice capable of handling a wide array of executive compensation and employee benefits matters. It offers particular strength in benefits and compensation matters pertaining to corporate transactions, including executive incentive and succession. The firm is also competent in advising on ERISA-related issues, including fiduciary duty and withdrawal liability.
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  5. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
    2
    Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 2 | 14 Years Ranked
    Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP provides an interdisciplinary approach to executive compensation and employee benefits issues, owing to its prominent public M&A and private equity practices. It is a strong choice to advise on the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of significant corporate transactions. The firm is particularly well versed in equity incentive awards and other executive compensation arrangements.
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  6. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
    2
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 2 | 14 Years Ranked
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP provides robust advice on an array of employee benefits and executive compensation issues. The firm is particularly well known for assisting with benefits and compensation matters linked to corporate transactions. It offers expertise in stock and cash-based plans, fiduciary responsibilities and prohibited transactions under ERISA.
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  7. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
    2
    Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 2 | 14 Years Ranked
    Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is respected for advising on compensation and benefits issues including regulation, corporate governance and executive changes. It is especially well known for handling employee benefits and executive compensation issues that arise in global transactions. The department provides counsel to management teams, compensation committees and individual executives as well as companies from a wide range of industries.
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  8. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
    2
    Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 2 | 7 Years Ranked
    Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is a lean outfit renowned for its transactional capabilities, handling the executive compensation and benefits aspects of significant M&A, IPOs, joint ventures and private equity investments. The firm draws upon its wider strengths in tax, securities and corporate law to offer clients a multidisciplinary approach.
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3
Band 3
  1. Baker McKenzie
    3
    Baker McKenzie
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 3 | 5 Years Ranked
    Baker McKenzie provides expert advice on a wide range of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, with notable expertise in M&A. The firm is especially highlighted for expertly managing cross-border transactions. It frequently advises on equity compensation plans and is also a go-to firm for advising on the design and maintenance of retirement and executive compensation plans.
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  2. Covington & Burling LLP
    3
    Covington & Burling LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 3 | 14 Years Ranked
    Covington & Burling LLP has a well-regarded DC-based employee benefits and executive compensation team. The firm provides robust assistance to high-profile global corporations with all of their benefits and compensation matters. Its areas of particular focus include ERISA compliance, defined benefit pension plan derisking and representation before governmental entities such as the IRS and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. It has significant expertise in M&A-related employee benefits issues.
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  3. Kirkland & Ellis
    3
    Kirkland & Ellis
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 3 | 4 Years Ranked
    Kirkland & Ellis is a well-regarded firm noted for handling the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of sizable corporate transactions. The group acts on behalf of clients in the technology, energy and financial sectors, among others.
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  4. McDermott Will & Emery LLP
    3
    McDermott Will & Emery LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 3 | 14 Years Ranked
    McDermott Will & Emery LLP regularly handles matters affecting qualified retirement plans, healthcare arrangements and executive compensation. The firm advises high-level executives on employment and compensation arrangements, as well as providing employee benefits counsel to companies. It has additional expertise in ESOP transactions.
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  5. Ropes & Gray LLP
    3
    Ropes & Gray LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 3 | 13 Years Ranked
    Ropes & Gray LLP provides expert assistance with employee benefits and executive compensation issues, supported by its team of in-house benefits consultants and actuaries. The team acts on behalf of a variety of clients including private equity funds, universities, tax-exempt organizations and global corporations, advising on traditional benefits issues as well as those arising from corporate deals. Its areas of expertise include health and welfare benefits, retirement plans and ERISA fiduciary rules.
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4
Band 4
  1. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
    4
    Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 4 | 7 Years Ranked
    Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP has a respected practice that focuses on advising clients on transactional employee benefit and compensation matters. The firm assists clients with securities issues, designing equity incentive and other compensation programs, and advising on severance issues. The group also regularly provides corporate governance and taxation advice.
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  2. Dechert LLP
    4
    Dechert LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 4 | 1 Years Ranked
    Dechert LLP is a go-to firm for employee benefits and executive compensation issues arising out of corporate transactions. The firm is especially active on behalf of clients in the financial services industry. Its attorneys assist clients with designing and implementing executive compensation programs, as well as retirement and welfare plans.
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  3. Faegre Drinker
    4
    Faegre Drinker
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP has significant experience advising plan sponsors and service providers on an array of employee benefits matters. The firm offers particular expertise in ERISA Title I issues and ESOP plans. The team is able to also assist with executive compensation matters including employment and separation agreements.
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  4. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
    4
    Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has a strong practice covering high-level employee benefits and executive compensation matters. The firm fields extensive experience assisting with corporate transactions, including spinoffs, buyouts and M&A. It is known for its expertise advising investment firms on ERISA issues, including prohibited transactions and fiduciary duty.
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  5. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
    4
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP provides expertise in the full gamut of executive compensation and employee benefits matters. The team has significant expertise advising on ERISA. It frequently advises on the compensation and benefits aspects of corporate transactions, including IPOs and M&A.
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  6. Jones Day
    4
    Jones Day
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 4 | 12 Years Ranked
    Jones Day advises corporations and boards of directors on various executive compensation and employee benefits issues. The firm is particularly adept at navigating the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of corporate transactions and also offers counsel on pension plan derisking and ERISA compliance.
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  7. Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    4
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 4 | 4 Years Ranked
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP is a respected firm which houses a deep bench of expert lawyers across a number of states. The firm frequently assists with the design and implementation of retirement and health and welfare plans. Its capabilities include advising on ERISA compliance and litigation. The group acts on behalf of clients in the retail, manufacturing and financial services industries.
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  8. Shearman & Sterling LLP
    4
    Shearman & Sterling LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Shearman & Sterling LLP has a well-regarded team with proficiency in handling domestic and cross-border employee benefits and executive compensation matters. It fields particular expertise in issues arising out of corporate transactions. The group is additionally able to advise on the design of executive incentive arrangements and corporate governance issues.
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  9. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
    4
    Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a respected firm offering considerable strength in employee benefits and executive compensation matters pertaining to corporate transactions, as well as restructurings and bankruptcies. It is able to advise private and public companies on the design and operation of nonqualified pension plans, equity compensation arrangements and employment agreements.
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  10. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
    4
    Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has a highly regarded practice frequently representing compensation committees and boards of directors on a wide array of executive compensation and employee benefits issues, particularly in relation to corporate transactions. The group also advises plan sponsors and investment firms on ERISA matters. Its attorneys work alongside other practice areas such as restructuring, private equity and insurance to provide a full-service experience for clients.
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  11. Winston & Strawn LLP
    4
    Winston & Strawn LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 4 | 4 Years Ranked
    Winston & Strawn LLP proficiently manages executive compensation and employee benefits matters emerging out of mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions. It is noted for its expertise in the full range of benefits matters, including pension plans, health and welfare plans, ESOPs and other compensation arrangements.
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5
Band 5
  1. Alston & Bird LLP
    5
    Alston & Bird LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 5 Years Ranked
    Alston & Bird LLP is able to advise on a range of matters, including tax-qualified retirement and savings plans, health and welfare plans, ERISA litigation and executive compensation. The team often advises clients on the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of corporate transactions and government agency investigations.
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  2. Baker Botts L.L.P.
    5
    Baker Botts L.L.P.
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 5 Years Ranked
    Baker Botts L.L.P. has a broad practice with notable strength advising clients on the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of M&A transactions. The team also counsels clients on ERISA matters. It is particularly well regarded for advising large corporations in the energy industry.
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  3. Cooley LLP
    5
    Cooley LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Cooley LLP is well placed to provide counsel on a range of employee benefit and executive compensation matters, including retirement plans, health and welfare plans and executive compensation arrangements. The team frequently provides counsel on benefits and compensation aspects of M&A transactions. The firm's clients range from emerging companies to multinational companies.
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  4. DLA Piper LLP (US)
    5
    DLA Piper LLP (US)
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    DLA Piper LLP is adept at handling class actions arising from allegations of ERISA violation and excessive fees. The firm also offers substantial experience assisting clients with employee benefit and compensation matters in connection with M&A transactions. The group is particularly noted for its ability to provide regulatory and compliance advice.
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  5. Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
    5
    Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked
    Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP is especially active in handling M&A-related compensation and benefits issues. The firm assists clients with drafting and implementing executive compensation arrangements, as well as handling benefit plan design, compliance and administration. Its clients hail from a wide range of sectors, including media, manufacturing and financial services.
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  6. Goodwin
    5
    Goodwin
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Goodwin is able to advise on a wide array of employee benefits and executive compensation issues, including matters related to corporate and financing transactions, and related tax considerations. The firm has notable expertise in ERISA fiduciary issues, DOL investigations and pension plan design, operation and termination.
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  7. Haynes and Boone, LLP
    5
    Haynes and Boone, LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Haynes and Boone LLP's expansive coverage includes retirement, health and welfare and compensation plans. The team offers particular skill in benefits and compensation issues pertaining to corporate transactions. The firm also represents clients in dealings with regulators including the IRS and DOL.
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  8. Holland & Knight LLP
    5
    Holland & Knight LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Holland & Knight LLP is a strong choice to advise on a wide array of employee benefits and compensation matters, ranging from day-to-day plan administration to benefits and compensation issues stemming from M&A transactions. The firm's expertise covers qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans and ESOPs, as well as related taxation.
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  9. Mayer Brown LLP
    5
    Mayer Brown LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 14 Years Ranked
    Mayer Brown LLP has a robust employee benefits and executive compensation group, assisting national and multinational corporations with transactional, compliance and contentious issues. It has noted expertise in ERISA fiduciary work. Known for its multidisciplinary approach to benefits and compensation matters, with strengths in corporate, finance, tax and securities.
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  10. Paul Hastings LLP
    5
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Paul Hastings LLP has an expert team active across a variety of employee benefits and compensation matters, including the design, operation and termination of pension plans, litigation and assisting with issues related to M&A and IPOs. The team represents high-profile clients in the technology, financial services and manufacturing industries, among others.
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  11. Sidley Austin LLP
    5
    Sidley Austin LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 14 Years Ranked
    Sidley Austin LLP provides expert advice on all employee benefits and executive compensation issues, with particular effectiveness in M&A. It has an impressive client base includes major companies and nonprofit organizations. The firm is also recommended for its expertise in pension plan investments and ERISA regulations.
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  12. Trucker Huss APC
    5
    Trucker Huss APC
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked
    Trucker Huss APC is a dedicated employee benefits practice with expertise covering the full range of plans, including retirement, health and welfare, and ESOPs. The firm advises plan sponsors and fiduciaries on the design and administration of plans, as well as assisting with DOL audits and M&A transactions. The firm is noted for its considerable West Coast coverage, with offices in Los Angeles, Portland and San Francisco.
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  13. Vinson & Elkins LLP
    5
    Vinson & Elkins LLP
    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Vinson & Elkins LLP is adept at handling employee benefits and executive compensation matters arising from corporate and financing transactions. The group's clients include SPACs, private equity firms and companies in the oil and gas sector. The team also provides counsel on the design and administration of employee benefit plans, as well as asset management.
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