Connnecticut Executive Compensation Lawyers

We Handle Executive Compensation Issues in Connecticut

At Carey & Associates, P.C., our Connecticut executive compensation attorneys are knowledgeable, experienced, and solutions-focused advocates for clients. We are proud to be leaders in employment law. If you have any questions about executive compensation, we are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential, no obligation initial consultation with our top Connecticut employment lawyers. 

Executive Compensation is Complicated

Broadly explained, executive compensation contracts are complex legal agreements that combine salary, bonuses, equity awards, benefits, and performance incentives into one detailed package. They often include restrictive covenants, change-in-control provisions, and tax-related clauses that require careful review. They should be drafted and negotiated by a Connecticut employment lawyer. Even seemingly small errors can cause big problems for one or both parties. 

Executive Compensation Plans Balance the Company’s Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

Understanding the elements of executive compensation can help you best protect your rights and your interests. They are diverse and dependent on the particular target company, industry, and client. Carey & Associates, P.C. will guide the client through these different and varied elements of compensation, and provide the client with a thorough understanding of each relevant executive compensation element. Executive Compensation is controlled by a risk/reward performance evaluation. From the executive’s perspective, the client expects to be rewarded for previously demonstrated work experience in the form of short and long-term incentive compensation. The level of risk each client is willing to take is situation-specific. From the employer’s perspective, there is a balancing of corporate short and long-term goals with the level of performance each is willing to compensate for. Performance is generally tied to the executive’s equity ownership in the company.

We Draft, Review, and Negotiate Executive Compensation Agreements in Connecticut

Carey & Associates, P.C. is a boutique employment law firm. Our Connecticut employment attorneys are well-versed in the full range of legal issues related to executive compensation. We draft, review, negotiate, and litigate contracts involving complex matters of executive compensation. Along with other things, our Connecticut executive compensation lawyers have experience with: 

• Base Salary: Base salary is the guaranteed cash compensation an executive receives. In an employment contract it is typically expressed as an annual amount. We help negotiate competitive base salaries that reflect market value, experience, and industry standards. 
• Short (Bonus) Term Incentive Pay: Short-term incentive pay is a performance-based bonus. It is often tied to annual business performance metrics or individual performance metrics. We help clients structure these incentives. 
• Long-Term Incentive Pay: Long-term incentives reward sustained performance over multiple years. A core purpose of long-term incentive pay is to tie the executive’s interests to the long-term interests of the company. 
• Cash-Based (LTIP): Cash-based long-term incentive plans provide monetary rewards tied to multi-year performance measures. We draft and negotiate clear terms, including payout formulas and vesting schedules.
• Stock Options: Stock options give executives the right to buy company shares at a set price for a defined period. Our Connecticut employment lawyers can help negotiate stock options. 
• Restricted Stock: Restricted stock involves granting shares that vest over time or upon meeting certain conditions. We ensure grant terms and forfeiture provisions are clear and enforceable.
• Stock Appreciation Rights: Stock appreciation rights (SARs) provide cash or stock equal to the increase in value of a set number of shares over time. Our Connecticut employment attorneys have extensive experience with SARs. 
• Phantom Stock Plans: Phantom stock grants executives cash bonuses equivalent to the value of a set number of company shares without actual stock issuance.
• Performance Unit Plan Awards: These plans award cash or stock based on achieving specific performance metrics over a defined period.
• Performance Share Plans: Performance shares grant stock to executives contingent on achieving multi-year performance goals. 
• Executive Perquisites: Perquisites (perks) can include company cars, club memberships, or housing allowances. We negotiate and document these benefits to maximize value and minimize unfavorable tax exposure. 
• Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs): SERPs provide retirement benefits beyond standard plans, often as a retention tool. If you have any questions about SERPs, our Connecticut employment attorneys can help. 
• Top Hat Plans (Supplemental Deferred Compensation Benefits): Top hat plans are unfunded deferred compensation plans for highly compensated executives. We guide clients on ERISA compliance and optimal deferral strategies.
• Executive Life Insurance Plans: These plans offer life insurance benefits as part of the compensation package. We review premium payment responsibilities, beneficiary designations, and tax treatment.
• Relocation Packages: Relocation benefits cover costs when an executive moves for a position, including housing, travel, and moving expenses.
• Severance Agreements: Severance agreements define pay and benefits when an executive’s employment ends. For executives in Connecticut, a severance package may either be proactive or reactive. 

Mark Carey is a Top Connecticut Employment Attorney

Executive compensation is complicated. There are often specialized issues that are involved. Mark Carey is a Connecticut employment attorney with extensive experience representing employees and executives, including high-ranking leaders. Our client testimonials tell the story. Your goals become our expectations and the firm will personally guide you through each step of the process. Among other things, our Connecticut executive compensation attorneys are prepared to: 

• Conduct a comprehensive, confidential overview of your case; 
• Gather and organize all supporting documents and records; 
• Represent you in contract negotiations over executive compensation; and
• Develop a personalized legal strategy focused on protecting your interests. 

Why choose us? Carey & Associates, P.C. provides a comprehensive and unique client-driven approach to Executive Compensation representation. Because we regularly monitor the compensation market, we provide current compensation data and information. We utilize a peer and industry analysis compensation database, to evaluate the competitiveness of any offer. 

Contact Our Connecticut Employment Lawyers Today

At Carey & Associates, P.C., our Connecticut executive compensation attorneys are standing by, ready to assist you with any related issues. If you have any questions or concerns about executive compensation, we are here to help. Reach out to us with a phone call at (914) 705-5427 or contact us online to set up your completely confidential, no obligation initial appointment. We handle executive compensation cases throughout Connecticut. 

• Read Article: Executive Compensation It’s All in the Four Corners of the Contract
• Read Article: Is Compensation Package Competitive?
• Read Article: Determining Whether Sale of Restricted or Control Securities Qualifies Under Private Placement Exemption

US Dept. Labor- Executive Compensation