Ranking tables
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation | USA
USA - Nationwide
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 1
Band 2
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP 15 Years Ranked
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 15 Years Ranked
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 9 Years Ranked
McDermott Will & Emery LLP 15 Years Ranked
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP 4 Years Ranked
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP 15 Years Ranked
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates 15 Years Ranked
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 15 Years Ranked
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz 8 Years Ranked
Band 3
Band 4
A&O Shearman 4 Years Ranked
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP 8 Years Ranked
Dechert LLP 2 Years Ranked
Faegre Drinker 4 Years Ranked
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP 4 Years Ranked
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 4 Years Ranked
Seyfarth Shaw LLP 5 Years Ranked
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP 4 Years Ranked
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP 4 Years Ranked
Winston & Strawn LLP 5 Years Ranked
Band 5
Alston & Bird LLP 6 Years Ranked
Baker Botts L.L.P. 6 Years Ranked
Cooley LLP 3 Years Ranked
DLA Piper LLP (US) 3 Years Ranked
Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP 2 Years Ranked
Goodwin 4 Years Ranked
Haynes and Boone, LLP 4 Years Ranked
Jones Day 13 Years Ranked
Mayer Brown LLP 15 Years Ranked
Paul Hastings LLP 4 Years Ranked
Sidley Austin LLP 15 Years Ranked
Troutman Pepper 1 Years Ranked
Trucker Huss APC 2 Years Ranked
Vinson & Elkins LLP 3 Years Ranked
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 Groom Law Group, CharteredEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 1 | 15 Years RankedGroom Law Group, Chartered is a boutique employee benefits firm celebrated for its breadth, advising on the full panoply of employee benefits and compensation issues including health and welfare, ERISA Title I fiduciary responsibility matters, multiemployer plans and executive compensation arrangements. The group regularly advises corporate clients on the design and implementation of various executive compensation arrangements, including deferred compensation and equity compensation plans.
1 Latham & Watkins LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 1 | 15 Years RankedLatham & Watkins LLP has a well-respected executive compensation and employee benefits group, advising corporations and boards of directors on corporate governance and commercial transactions. It provides assistance with a wide range of matters including stock and cash-based incentives, deferred compensation, pensions and equity plan alterations. The firm offers notable strengths in cross-border transactions.
1 Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 1 | 15 Years RankedMorgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP houses a celebrated employee benefits and executive compensation group with significant bench strength and presence across the USA. It is sought after for its extensive expertise in a myriad of employee benefits and compensation issues, including health and welfare plans and equity compensation arrangements. The firm also frequently handles issues arising from M&A.
1 Proskauer Rose LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 1 | 15 Years RankedProskauer Rose LLP is highly respected for its comprehensive expertise in a wide variety of employee benefits and compensation issues, including single and multiemployer plan compliance and ERISA litigation. The firm regularly advises clients on employee benefits arrangements affected by complex commercial transactions. It also fields expertise in the design and implementation of high-level executive compensation programs.
Band 2
2 Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 2 | 15 Years RankedCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP has a preeminent employee benefits and executive compensation group advising on high-level corporate transactions. Its particular strengths include advising on ERISA compliance and executive compensation arrangements. The department regularly provides counsel to financial institutions, corporate clients and private equity firms.2 Davis Polk & Wardwell LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 2 | 15 Years RankedDavis Polk & Wardwell LLP has a formidable practice handling complex executive compensation and employee benefits issues on behalf of major corporations and financial organizations. Particularly experienced in providing governance advice surrounding commercial transactions, including M&A, joint ventures and spinouts.2 Debevoise & Plimpton LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 2 | 9 Years RankedDebevoise & Plimpton LLP is recommended for its ability to provide an interdisciplinary approach. The group combines expertise in the areas of tax and securities law, ERISA and corporate governance in order to tackle the complexities of executive compensation and benefits issues. It is a strong choice to navigate M&A-related employee benefits and executive compensation matters. The firm serves a broad client list consisting of several blue-chip corporations and private equity firms.2 McDermott Will & Emery LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 2 | 15 Years RankedMcDermott Will & Emery LLP regularly handles matters affecting qualified retirement plans, healthcare arrangements and executive compensation. The firm advises high-level executives on employment and compensation arrangements, as well as providing employee benefits counsel to companies. It has additional expertise in ESOP transactions.2 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 2 | 4 Years RankedPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP has a highly regarded practice capable of handling a wide array of executive compensation and employee benefits matters. It offers particular strength in benefits and compensation matters pertaining to corporate transactions, including executive incentive and succession. The firm is also competent in advising on ERISA-related issues, including fiduciary duty and withdrawal liability.2 Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 2 | 15 Years RankedSimpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP provides an interdisciplinary approach to executive compensation and employee benefits issues, owing to its prominent public M&A and private equity practices. It is a strong choice to advise on the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of significant corporate transactions. The firm is particularly well versed in equity incentive awards and other executive compensation arrangements.2 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & AffiliatesEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 2 | 15 Years RankedSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP provides robust advice on an array of employee benefits and executive compensation issues. The firm is particularly well known for assisting with benefits and compensation matters linked to corporate transactions. It offers expertise in stock and cash-based plans, fiduciary responsibilities and prohibited transactions under ERISA.2 Sullivan & Cromwell LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 2 | 15 Years RankedSullivan & Cromwell LLP is respected for advising on compensation and benefits issues including regulation, corporate governance and executive changes. It is especially well known for handling employee benefits and executive compensation issues that arise in global transactions. The department provides counsel to management teams, compensation committees and individual executives as well as companies from a wide range of industries.2 Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & KatzEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 2 | 8 Years RankedWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is a lean outfit renowned for its transactional capabilities, handling the executive compensation and benefits aspects of significant M&A, IPOs, joint ventures and private equity investments. The firm draws upon its wider strengths in tax, securities and corporate law to offer clients a multidisciplinary approach.
Band 3
3 Baker McKenzieEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 3 | 6 Years RankedBaker McKenzie provides expert advice on a wide range of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, with notable expertise in M&A. The firm is especially highlighted for expertly managing cross-border transactions. It frequently advises on equity compensation plans and is also a go-to firm for advising on the design and maintenance of retirement and executive compensation plans.
3 Covington & Burling LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 3 | 15 Years RankedCovington & Burling LLP has a well-regarded DC-based employee benefits and executive compensation team. The firm provides robust assistance to high-profile global corporations with all of their benefits and compensation matters. Its areas of particular focus include ERISA compliance, defined benefit pension plan derisking and representation before governmental entities such as the IRS and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. It has significant expertise in M&A-related employee benefits issues.
3 Kirkland & EllisEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedKirkland & Ellis is a well-regarded firm noted for handling the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of sizable corporate transactions. The group acts on behalf of clients in the technology, energy and financial sectors, among others.
3 Ropes & Gray LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 3 | 14 Years RankedRopes & Gray LLP provides expert assistance with employee benefits and executive compensation issues, supported by its team of in-house benefits consultants and actuaries. The team acts on behalf of a variety of clients including private equity funds, universities, tax-exempt organizations and global corporations, advising on traditional benefits issues as well as those arising from corporate deals. Its areas of expertise include health and welfare benefits, retirement plans and ERISA fiduciary rules.
Band 4
4 A&O ShearmanEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedA&O Shearman has a well-regarded team with proficiency in handling domestic and cross-border employee benefits and executive compensation matters. It fields particular expertise in issues arising out of corporate transactions. The group is additionally able to advise on the design of executive incentive arrangements and corporate governance issues.4 Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 4 | 8 Years RankedCravath, Swaine & Moore LLP has a respected practice that focuses on advising clients on transactional employee benefit and compensation matters. The firm assists clients with securities issues, designing equity incentive and other compensation programs, and advising on severance issues. The group also regularly provides corporate governance and taxation advice.4 Dechert LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedDechert LLP is a go-to firm for employee benefits and executive compensation issues arising out of corporate transactions. The firm is especially active on behalf of clients in the financial services industry. Its attorneys assist clients with designing and implementing executive compensation programs, as well as retirement and welfare plans.4 Faegre DrinkerEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedFaegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP has significant experience advising plan sponsors and service providers on an array of employee benefits matters. The firm offers particular expertise in ERISA Title I issues and ESOP plans. The team is able to also assist with executive compensation matters including employment and separation agreements.4 Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedFried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP has a strong practice covering high-level employee benefits and executive compensation matters. The firm fields extensive experience assisting with corporate transactions, including spinoffs, buyouts and M&A. It is known for its expertise advising investment firms on ERISA issues, including prohibited transactions and fiduciary duty.4 Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedGibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP provides expertise in the full gamut of executive compensation and employee benefits matters. The team has significant expertise advising on ERISA. It frequently advises on the compensation and benefits aspects of corporate transactions, including IPOs and M&A.4 Seyfarth Shaw LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedSeyfarth Shaw LLP is a respected firm which houses a deep bench of expert lawyers across a number of states. The firm frequently assists with the design and implementation of retirement and health and welfare plans. Its capabilities include advising on ERISA compliance and litigation. The group acts on behalf of clients in the retail, manufacturing and financial services industries.4 Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedWeil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a respected firm offering considerable strength in employee benefits and executive compensation matters pertaining to corporate transactions, as well as restructurings and bankruptcies. It is able to advise private and public companies on the design and operation of nonqualified pension plans, equity compensation arrangements and employment agreements.4 Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 4 | 4 Years RankedWillkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has a highly regarded practice frequently representing compensation committees and boards of directors on a wide array of executive compensation and employee benefits issues, particularly in relation to corporate transactions. The group also advises plan sponsors and investment firms on ERISA matters. Its attorneys work alongside other practice areas such as restructuring, private equity and insurance to provide a full-service experience for clients.4 Winston & Strawn LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedWinston & Strawn LLP proficiently manages executive compensation and employee benefits matters emerging out of mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions. It is noted for its expertise in the full range of benefits matters, including pension plans, health and welfare plans, ESOPs and other compensation arrangements.
Band 5
5 Alston & Bird LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 6 Years RankedAlston & Bird LLP is able to advise on a range of matters, including tax-qualified retirement and savings plans, health and welfare plans, ERISA litigation and executive compensation. The team often advises clients on the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of corporate transactions and government agency investigations.5 Baker Botts L.L.P.Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 6 Years RankedBaker Botts L.L.P. has a broad practice with notable strength advising clients on the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of M&A transactions. The team also counsels clients on ERISA matters. It is particularly well regarded for advising large corporations in the energy industry.5 Cooley LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 3 Years RankedCooley LLP is well placed to provide counsel on a range of employee benefit and executive compensation matters, including retirement plans, health and welfare plans and executive compensation arrangements. The team frequently provides counsel on benefits and compensation aspects of M&A transactions. The firm's clients range from emerging companies to multinational companies.5 DLA Piper LLP (US)Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 3 Years RankedDLA Piper LLP is adept at handling class actions arising from allegations of ERISA violation and excessive fees. The firm also offers substantial experience assisting clients with employee benefit and compensation matters in connection with M&A transactions. The group is particularly noted for its ability to provide regulatory and compliance advice.5 Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedEversheds Sutherland (US) LLP is especially active in handling M&A-related compensation and benefits issues. The firm assists clients with drafting and implementing executive compensation arrangements, as well as handling benefit plan design, compliance and administration. Its clients hail from a wide range of sectors, including media, manufacturing and financial services.5 GoodwinEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedGoodwin is able to advise on a wide array of employee benefits and executive compensation issues, including matters related to corporate and financing transactions, and related tax considerations. The firm has notable expertise in ERISA fiduciary issues, DOL investigations and pension plan design, operation and termination.5 Haynes and Boone, LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedHaynes and Boone LLP's expansive coverage includes retirement, health and welfare and compensation plans. The team offers particular skill in benefits and compensation issues pertaining to corporate transactions. The firm also represents clients in dealings with regulators including the IRS and DOL.5 Jones DayEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 13 Years RankedJones Day advises corporations and boards of directors on various executive compensation and employee benefits issues. The firm is particularly adept at navigating the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of corporate transactions and also offers counsel on pension plan derisking and ERISA compliance.5 Mayer Brown LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 15 Years RankedMayer Brown LLP has a robust employee benefits and executive compensation group, assisting national and multinational corporations with transactional, compliance and contentious issues. It has noted expertise in ERISA fiduciary work. Known for its multidisciplinary approach to benefits and compensation matters, with strengths in corporate, finance, tax and securities.5 Paul Hastings LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedPaul Hastings LLP has an expert team active across a variety of employee benefits and compensation matters, including the design, operation and termination of pension plans, litigation and assisting with issues related to M&A and IPOs. The team represents high-profile clients in the technology, financial services and manufacturing industries, among others.5 Sidley Austin LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 15 Years RankedSidley Austin LLP provides expert advice on all employee benefits and executive compensation issues, with particular effectiveness in M&A. It has an impressive client base includes major companies and nonprofit organizations. The firm is also recommended for its expertise in pension plan investments and ERISA regulations.5 Troutman PepperEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 1 Years RankedToutman Pepper has an established employee benefits and executive compensation practice. The firm offers services in the design and implementation of retirement and health and welfare plans. It works with clients such as board of directors, plan fiduciaries and plan administrators.5 Trucker Huss APCEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedTrucker Huss APC is a dedicated employee benefits practice with expertise covering the full range of plans, including retirement, health and welfare, and ESOPs. The firm advises plan sponsors and fiduciaries on the design and administration of plans, as well as assisting with DOL audits and M&A transactions. The firm is noted for its considerable West Coast coverage, with offices in Los Angeles, Portland and San Francisco.5 Vinson & Elkins LLPEmployee Benefits & Executive Compensation2024 | Band 5 | 3 Years RankedVinson & Elkins LLP is adept at handling employee benefits and executive compensation matters arising from corporate and financing transactions. The group's clients include SPACs, private equity firms and companies in the oil and gas sector. The team also provides counsel on the design and administration of employee benefit plans, as well as asset management.