Representation of senior executives, founders, and partners requires a sophisticated understanding of the business issues that can lead to disputes and those that may illuminate potential paths to resolution. Discretion and respect for preserving reputation and business relationships are paramount, as is a grasp of complex compensation arrangements, including various equity and deferred compensation types.
That is why highly compensated individuals must seek expert representation when compensation disputes and severance negotiations arise. The skilled team at Rudy, Exelrod, Zieff & Lowe, LLP is available to assist you. Contact our San Francisco law firm to discuss how we can provide you with world-class legal counsel, or keep reading to learn more about our experience in the field.
What Makes Rudy, Exelrod, Zieff & Lowe, LLP Excel in Executive Representation?
Our firm has developed a strong reputation in the business, investment, and legal communities for top-tier representation of senior executives, investment firm partners, entrepreneurs, and other prominent leaders in their fields. We represent C-level executives of many of the world’s largest and most well-known public and private companies, including tech, finance, life sciences, insurance, and healthcare. We also represent founders of start-ups (including following acquisitions) and technical professionals at the pinnacle of their fields.
We recognize that a compensation, discrimination, or retaliation issue involving a highly compensated individual can have substantial economic and reputational consequences, and we are committed to ensuring an appropriate resolution. We routinely negotiate seven and eight-figure separation agreements and settlements, including a $22.5 million settlement of a gender discrimination claim for a COO; a $12 million settlement for a technology company EVP in an age discrimination case; an $11 million settlement of a gender discrimination case on behalf of a high-profile technical leader; and a $5 million bonus for a co-founder of a life sciences company.
In addition, we have represented senior leaders of prominent investment firms, including venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, and investment banks, as well as portfolio managers, top II-rated analysts, and top executives at large banks, brokerage firms, and other financial institutions. We have helped these individuals negotiate multi-million-dollar transitions, including retaining or liquidating significant carry interest. In some cases, we have filed legal claims against investment firm partners for discrimination, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, breach of partnership agreements, and related claims.
Seek the Expertise of Rudy, Exelrod, Zieff & Lowe, LLP
Our reputation for handling high-stakes employment cases stems from our work handling landmark high-profile trials, for example, Ellen Pao v. Kleiner Perkins, and other important and widely publicized cases, such as the sexual harassment case brought by co-founder Whitney Wolfe against Tinder and the gender discrimination case brought by Francoise Brougher against Pinterest. However, the vast majority of the matters in which we represent well-known executives and professionals are resolved confidentially. We understand and respect the unique issues confronting these clients, including the potential impact a legal claim might have on the value of their equity or their future opportunities.
If you have an executive compensation or severance negotiation issue to resolve, we encourage you to contact Rudy, Exelrod, Zieff & Lowe, LLP. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about how we can put our decades of experience to work in your favor.