Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

In today’s world, the people of an organization are its most important asset. In order to care for this critical resource, employers must provide a benefits and compensation package that is competitive in the marketplace, is aligned with the interests of the organization, and does not constitute a source of unnecessary risk or cost to the organization due to compliance issues.

Our benefits and executive compensation attorneys collaborate with clients of all sizes in a variety of different industries to design and develop benefit programs and incentive compensation arrangements that meet these key goals, while also navigating the complex regulatory and tax laws that impact these arrangements. Once programs are in place, we provide on-going counsel and support to ensure they are administered prudently and to address any compliance issues which may arise.

Our attorneys support organizations and other attorneys in situations where benefits and compensation issues are a priority and the skill, experience, and knowledge to handle those issues is a necessity. These circumstances include handling benefit issues that arise in corporate transactions, representing clients in ERISA litigation, supporting a client in an IRS or DOL audit relating to employee benefit plans, or advising public pension plans that are solely in the business of providing and administering retirement benefits for public employees.

Our attorneys also advise individual employees in connection with evaluating and negotiating compensation and incentive packages offered by their employer and mitigating any adverse tax consequences or risks.

Whatever the need or circumstance, our benefits and executive compensation attorneys strive to provide creative and cost-efficient solutions to best protect, manage, and retain our clients’ number one asset: their people.

Our employee benefits and executive compensation experience includes a variety of different compensation and benefit arrangements, as well as specialized areas practice. These areas of service include:

February 2, 2024
Speaking Engagements

Jessica Palvino and Alyca Garrison to Present at Tax Law in a Day Conference

Jackson Walker senior counsel Jessica B. Palvino and associate Alyca Garrison are scheduled to present during the Tax Law in a Day Conference, sharing key insights for tax lawyers advising on Equity Compensation Plans.

2024 Top Texas Women Super Lawyers

January 11, 2024
Attorney News

Super Lawyers Names 31 Jackson Walker Attorneys in Texas Top Women 2024 Magazine

Jackson Walker congratulates the 31 attorneys who were included in the Texas Top Women 2024 Magazine published by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers. The annual Texas Top Texas Women edition includes the highest-rated women attorneys across the “Texas Rising Stars” and “Texas Super Lawyers” lists in a given practice area.

November 10, 2023
Insights

Benefits Planning for Year End and 2024

By Greta E. Cowart

Although there is no amendment required to single employer retirement plan documents by December 31, 2023, there are operational requirements that you will need to implement and keep records of the choices you make to stay in operational compliance.

2024 Best Law Firms announcement

November 2, 2023
Spotlight

Jackson Walker Earns 25 National and 134 Metro Rankings in 2024 Edition of “Best Law Firms”

Jackson Walker proudly announces the firm’s inclusion in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms® by Best Lawyers. This year, Jackson Walker observed notable improvements in the national rankings, including the rise of Appellate Practice to Tier 1, Banking and Finance Law and Litigation – Labor and Employment to Tier 2, and the addition of Energy Law and Environmental Law in Tier 3.

October 18, 2023
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Congratulates 13 Attorneys Named to 2024 Lawdragon 500 Lists

Jackson Walker announces the selection of 13 attorneys to Lawdragon‘s lists of the 500 leading practitioners in corporate employment law.

Flags flying at the Texas Capitol

September 19, 2023
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2023

Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.

USA flags

August 17, 2023
Attorney News

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.

Jessica Palvino

August 10, 2023
Speaking Engagements

Jessica Palvino Speaks on Employee and Independent Contractor Classification Issue at Texas Bar CLE Conference

Jackson Walker senior counsel Jessica B. Palvino is scheduled to present during the Tax Law 2023: Tax Law in the Digital Age Conference, providing insights on tax and benefits issues that arise in connection with employee and independent contractor classification.

Laptop and stethoscope for healthcare

July 28, 2023
Insights

End of COVID and Loss of Medicaid Expansion During COVID – A Request from Governing Agencies

By Greta E. Cowart

In a new form of outreach from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Labor, a letter was issued to employers, plan sponsors, and insurance issuers (the “Administrators”) on July 20, 2023. The letter requests that the Administrators not impose the 60-day limit on special enrollments for loss of Medicaid coverage on individuals losing Medicaid coverage due to the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency Medicaid expansion.

July 13, 2023
Insights

Frequently Asked Questions Part 60 Under the Affordable Care Act Issued

By Greta E. Cowart

As employers work toward annual enrollment and new service contracts for their health plans, it is key to remember one of the changes to enhance disclosure to individuals contained in the “No Surprises Act” and Transparency in Coverage rules. Beginning on January 1, 2024, there will be an expanded disclosure requirement for group health plans to provide price comparison information for all covered items and services. The No Surprises Act intends to clarify for individuals what their likely costs will be for out-of-network service providers at a facility and for air ambulance services.

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