James Gregory , Batool T. Banker , and Taryn E. Cannataro of Lowenstein’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice lay out tips for negotiating a fulsome executive employment agreement for both new hires and existing employees whose employer is undergoing a change in control. The lawyers discuss the importance of clear contractual terms governing issues such as duration, termination, severance, and compensation – including cash compensation and equity; as well as non-competes, non...
Sep 15, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In the current state of the economy, stock option repricing may be a valuable tool in incentivizing employees. Partners Darren Goodman and Megan Monson talk with Taryn Cannataro about the benefits of repricing, the variety of forms they can take, and potential downsides tech companies need to be aware of before embarking on a stock option repricing. Speakers: Darren Goodman , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Megan Monson , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compens...
Aug 18, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Host Megan Monson , partner in Lowenstein’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation group, talks to guests Andrew E. Graw , the group’s Chair, and Julie Levinson Werner , partner in the firm’s Employment Counseling & Litigation practice, about how employers can offer support to employees in the wake of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade . The podcast discusses how an employer may offer reimbursement for travel expenses related to obtaining an abortion; how an employer may ...
Jul 21, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Partners Dotan Barnea and Darren Goodman talk with Taryn Cannataro about what a startup outside of the United States should do if it is considering granting stock options to employees in the U.S. Such situations give rise to compliance issues under multiple sets of rules, depending upon the jurisdictions involved, as well as important tax consequences. Speakers: Darren Goodman , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Dotan Barnea , Partner, The Tech Group, Co-Chair, Israel Pract...
Jun 30, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In today’s episode of “Just Compensation, ” hosts Megan Monson , Taryn E. Cannataro , and Batool T. Banker of Lowenstein’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice examine the Form 5500, which must be filed by all employers and plan administrators who maintain a tax structured retirement plan such as a 401(K), defined benefit pension plan, or health and welfare plan. They discuss who must file the Form 5500 and when, as well as how to correct a late or erroneous filing in order to...
Jun 02, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Every private startup company that grants stock options or is considering granting stock options needs to consider major issues that could have long ranging impacts: proper documentation and approval of all stock option grants; and their tax implications. Eric Weiner , partner in Lowenstein’s Tech Group , joins Darren Goodman and Taryn E. Cannataro of the firm’s Employment Benefits & Executive Compensation group to discuss how startups can save time and expense in the granting of stock optio...
May 05, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Darren Goodman , Megan Monson , and Taryn Cannataro provide a high-level overview of Section 280G issues that can arise when a private company considers selling (otherwise known as the golden parachute rules), including what individuals and companies are impacted by Section 280G, what type of payments need to be taken into account, and how to address Section 280G. Speakers: Darren Goodman , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Megan Monson , Partner, Employee Benefits & Ex...
Apr 07, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 10
n today’s episode of “Just Compensation” Megan Monson and Taryn Cannataro are joined by bankruptcy attorney, Nicole Fulfree to discuss benefits considerations in bankruptcy. The goal of this discussion is to provide food for thought on how to navigate common issues that arise in this area, and to help you understand what alternatives are available as it relates to certain benefit plans. Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Taryn Cannataro , Associate, ...
Mar 10, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 9
This episode of “Just Compensation” features Darren Goodman , Taryn Cannataro , and Megan Monson discussing restricted stock units (or RSUs). The panel describes what a RSU is, the pros/cons of issuing RSUs, and different types of features that can apply to RSUs, including double vesting for tax planning purposes. Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Darren Goodman , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Taryn Cannataro , Associate, E...
Feb 10, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In today’s episode of “Just Compensation” Megan Monson and Taryn Cannataro will focus on common pitfalls that arise in the context of equity plans for corporations. The discussion brings awareness of common problems and how to navigate them. Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Taryn Cannataro , Associate, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation...
Jan 13, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Founders and early employees of a company tend to get stock when the company is new and has very little value. The idea is to purchase or grant shares when the value is low, with little tax to pay, and then reap the benefits of the appreciated value of the company after it becomes successful. The problem is: sometimes you miss the boat. Host Megan Monson is joined by Lowenstein Sandler's Christine Osvald-Mruz and Chandra Shih to discuss what alternatives are available when this happens. Speakers...
Dec 09, 2021•20 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode, Megan Monson , Christine Osvald-Mruz and Chandra Shih focus on the benefits of obtaining a Section 409A valuation for grants of stock options, practical tips relating to 409A valuations and option grants, and the ramifications for failing to grant options at fair market value with colleague. Speakers: Megan Monson , Counsel, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Christine Osvald-Mruz , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Chandra Shih , Partner, The T...
Nov 11, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Companies frequently consider whether to grant a stock option with the ability to exercise the option before it has vested, which is considered an “early exercise” right. In this episode of "Just Compensation", hosts Andrew Graw and Megan Monson discuss what an early exercise right is as well as the pros/cons of issuing options with this feature. Speakers : Andrew Graw , Partner and Chair, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Megan Monson , Counsel, Employee Benefits & Executive Co...
Oct 28, 2021•22 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode of 'Just Compensation,' hosts Andrew Graw and Megan Monson focus on a subject that often arises and befuddles clients - the application of the 6-month delay rule under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Speakers : Andrew Graw , Partner and Chair, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Megan Monson , Counsel, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits...
Oct 14, 2021•20 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Hosts Andrew Graw and Megan Monson discuss the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) as part of the new (third) COVID-19 stimulus relief bill. The ARPA assists qualifying individuals who lose coverage under an employer’s group health plan due to an involuntary termination of employment or reduction of hours by allowing them to opt for COBRA coverage at no cost from April 1 through September 30. This episode focuses on frequently asked questions surrounding the ARPA. Speakers: Andrew Graw , Par...
Oct 14, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Hosts Andrew Graw and Megan Monson discuss why Lowenstein Sandler started the podcast series, “Just Compensation.” Geared towards companies and senior executives, this podcast series--which features members from Lowenstein Sandler's Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Practice Groups, lawyers from other practice areas, and other special guests--will review the basics of benefits, as well as covering common issues and hot topics in this niche area of law that involves navigating complex ...
Oct 14, 2021•7 min•Season 1Ep. 1
