Stevens & Lee advises clients on the contractual, tax, regulatory, change-in-control and fiduciary issues presented in employee benefits packages and executive compensation plans. We assist clients in the design and implementation of employment contracts, stock-based compensation plans, both qualified and non-qualified pension and welfare benefit programs and other executive compensation arrangements. We monitor all new industry developments, particularly as they pertain to financial institutions and counsel board compensation committees on best practices and peer group comparisons. We advise clients on compliance with evolving Treasury and SEC guidelines, as well as on the administration of deferred compensation programs to comply with IRC Section 409A. We also represent financial institutions in benefit integration issues following acquisitions and reductions in force.
Stevens & Lee has particular skill in working with financial services clients in developing compensation programs that provide varying degrees of benefits and compensation opportunities to all levels of employees through the combination of retirement and welfare benefits, executive compensation agreements, non-qualified deferred compensation and cash and equity-based incentive plans. Our full-service approach also provides financial analysis to executives with respect to stock option valuation and golden parachute excise tax calculations.
Equity incentive programs created for financial institutions include basic incentive and non-qualified stock option plans, as well as restricted stock, performance unit and phantom stock programs. We have implemented a number of employee stock purchase plans as a complement to an overall compensation program to provide employees with additional equity acquisition opportunities.
