Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP frequently advises private equity sponsors, investment funds, and boards of directors on employee benefits, executive compensation, and ERISA aspects within corporate transactions. The firm has a notable track record in the insurance sector, exemplified by its role in advising Alleghany on its $11.6 billion acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway. Practice co-head Michael Katz, based in New York, is experienced in equity awards, the tax consequences of golden parachutes, and the liabilities associated with employee benefits in contexts such as leveraged buyouts, spin-offs, and corporate restructurings. Also in New York, fellow practice leader Jordan Messinger counsels public and private entities, boards, and compensation committees on a range of compensation and benefits issues, including those related to tax, securities law, and corporate governance. Rose Ohanesian, another New York-based attorney, deals with Section 280G parachute payment matters, employee tender offers, and the establishment of ongoing equity programs. In Washington DC, Alexander Ryan focuses on ERISA Title I issues, while San Francisco’s Scott Thompson offers expertise in complex equity and incentive compensation agreements.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Jordan Messinger is a strong and busy lawyer with a broad range of expertise.’
‘Jordan Messinger's responsiveness and creativity make him the shining star of the Willkie Employment Law practice.’
‘Jordan Messinger is a gem of a lawyer. He is responsive, efficient, and creative in enabling me to make a proper business decision.’
‘Alexander Ryan is an outstanding Title I attorney. ’
‘They understand our business and our approach, leading to realistic advice in line with our philosophies. Response and turnaround time are timely and highly detailed. Proactive advice on adjacent scenarios has led to valuable actions and decisions.’
‘Absolute measure to work with. Knows the material inside out and how it applies to our environment. Clearly working for the success of our business with recommendations to help us improve even in non-acute situations. Response time is swift.
‘I have complete trust in Willkie, not just for expert legal and commercial counsel but because I know they have my best personal interests at heart.’
‘Scott Thompson is a fabulous partner. I feel like the relationship goes far beyond counsel/client and that makes for a priceless partnership.’
‘Very solid.’

Key clients

Franklin Resources, Inc. (d/b/a Franklin Templeton)
Franchise Group, Inc. CEO Brian Kahn
CommerceHub
Carrix, Inc.
Alleghany Corporation
Warburg Pincus
Fresh Express Incorporated
Insight Partners
CMA CGM
Accedian
EG Acquisition
Fidelis Insurance Holdings Limited (FIHL)
Japan Post Insurance
SCOR
FFL Partners
Standard Real Estate Investments, LP,
Arevia Power

Work highlights

Advised Franklin Templeton on the acquisition of Putnam Investments and strategic partnership with Power Corporation of Canada and Great-West Lifeco.
Represented Franchise Group CEO Brian Kahn in a $2.6 billion take-private transaction.
Represented CommerceHub, a portfolio company of Insight Partners, in its acquisition of ChannelAdvisor Corporation.