Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
In todayâs 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 clientsâ 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:
- Executive and Incentive Compensation
- Retirement Plans
- Public Pension Plans
- Health, Welfare and Fringe Benefit Plans/ACA Compliance
- Fiduciary Counsel and Governance
- ERISA Litigation
- Merger and Acquisition Support
- Section 409A Compliance and Deferred Compensation
- Plan Correction and IRS & DOL Audits
August 22, 2025
Insights
Changes to the Texas Open Meetings Act Are Coming: Are You Ready?
By Chuck Campbell and Alyca Garrison
During the 89th Texas Legislative Session, two key changes were made to the posting requirements under the Texas Open Meetings Act that governmental entities should be aware of. These changes take effect on September 1, 2025.
August 21, 2025
Attorney News
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 106 âOnes to Watchâ
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
August 12, 2025
Insights
Income Tax Changes Warrant Consideration When Awarding Equity Incentives
By Greta E. Cowart
Executives should consult with their tax advisors regarding the best strategy for their equity compensation awards and personal income taxes. Companies should consider whether their equity compensation plans are structured to provide management with the most tax efficient incentives to achieve the companyâs goals.
August 12, 2025
Insights
Essential Changes for Employers in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025
By Greta E. Cowart
Recent legislative changes have introduced a range of new tax and benefits provisions affecting both employers and employees, with effective dates spanning from 2025 through 2028. These updates include expanded Health Savings Account eligibility, new deductions for overtime and tip compensation, increased limits for education and dependent care benefits, and the creation of a new tax-advantaged account for children, among other significant adjustments.
June 5, 2025
Spotlight
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
April 25, 2025
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates 21 Attorneys Named Among 2025 “Best Lawyers in Dallas”
Jackson Walker congratulates the 21 attorneys recognized among D Magazineâs list of the âBest Lawyers in Dallasâ for 2025. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.
April 7, 2025
Insights
2025 Regulatory Review: Implications for Retirement Plans and Employer Actions
By Greta E. Cowart
The first few months of 2025 brought the potential for many changes. On January 20, 2025, one of the Executive Orders pulled back all proposed regulations that had been issued in the last 60 days, including proposed regulations on retirement plan changes in the law known as SECURE 2.0.
February 7, 2025
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Announces Election of 12 Attorneys to Partnership
Jackson Walker is proud to announce the election of 12 outstanding attorneys to the firmâs partnership.
