Executive Compensation
Strategic Compensation Planning to Attract, Retain, and Reward Leadership
At Lazarus, we understand that executive compensation plays a crucial role in aligning leadership’s goals with those of the organization. Our executive compensation services are designed to help businesses structure competitive, tax-efficient packages that attract and retain top talent while ensuring regulatory compliance. From equity incentives to deferred compensation plans, we provide strategic guidance to create compensation structures that balance reward, motivation, and financial sustainability.
How We Can Help
Our comprehensive approach to executive compensation covers a wide range of compensation structures, including:
-
Structuring stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and performance shares to motivate executives and align their interests with shareholders.
-
Creating and managing deferred compensation arrangements that are tax-efficient and compliant with regulations such as IRC Section 409A, helping executives defer income while supporting long-term retention.
-
Advising on 83(b) elections and Section 1202 capital gains exclusions, maximizing tax benefits on qualifying small business stock and supporting wealth-building for founders and key executives.
-
Providing guidance on retention, severance, and incentive packages tailored to M&A transactions, ensuring continuity and protecting the interests of key executives during transitions.
Representative Transactions
Equity Incentive Plan for Tech Startup: Structured an equity compensation plan, including stock options and performance shares, for a high-growth tech startup, ensuring tax efficiency and aligning incentives with growth objectives.
Deferred Compensation Plan for C-Suite: Advised a mid-sized corporation on creating a deferred compensation plan for its C-suite, ensuring compliance with IRC Section 409A and enabling executives to secure future tax savings.
Retention and Severance for M&A Transaction: Developed and negotiated retention and severance packages for key executives during a $250 million merger, ensuring stability and protecting executive interests throughout the transaction.
Section 1202 Planning for Founder Exit: Guided founders of a qualifying small business through Section 1202 planning, allowing for substantial tax-free gains on the eventual sale of their stock..
The transactions listed above include experience our attorney gained a prior firm.
Why Choose Lazarus?
-
Targeted Expertise in Executive and M&A Compensation
Extensive experience supporting businesses through compensation structuring for growth and M&A, aligning leadership interests with strategic goals.
-
Tailored, Strategic Solutions
We develop compensation packages that motivate, retain, and reward executives, tailored to fit the unique needs of each business and transaction.
-
Proactive Compliance and Risk Management
Our focus on regulatory compliance ensures that your compensation strategies meet legal standards and reduce risk during periods of change.
Move Forward with Confidence
At Lazarus, we provide more than just legal counsel. We bring in-depth industry insights and a results-driven approach to executive compensation, helping you structure competitive, compliant packages that support leadership and drive success. We’re committed to being your trusted advisor every step of the way.
With Lazarus, you’re ready for what’s next.