RECOVERED
- Because executives earn high pay and receive valuable benefits, company shareholders may push back during the hiring process.
- Common areas of dispute in executive compensation include severance agreements, restructuring protections, salary, and company equity.
- Newly hired executives need to review all compensation agreements thoroughly and understand all clauses, particularly those related to separation and when benefits fully activate.
- Employment attorneys can help newly hired executives review their onboarding documents and negotiate for fair compensation when necessary.
- Our attorneys understand vital New York employment laws and represent employees at all levels.
Starting in a new professional role is exciting, but it can also generate significant worry and anxiety, especially when you’ve accepted an executive position. The competitive nature, high pay, and unique skill set for top-level jobs have resulted in more difficult compensation and benefits negotiations, which is why you may want to hire a New York City employment lawyer.
Corporations have skilled attorneys and finance departments on their side throughout this process, and newly hired executives deserve the same. If you have been hired into a C-suite role, call an experienced New York City executive compensation lawyer at Joseph & Norinsberg today. Our firm has fought for employees since 2014.
What Is Executive Compensation?
Executive compensation is the pay and benefits packages for individuals entering executive roles. The negotiation process for these roles is highly complicated, especially considering the number of stakeholders involved.
A committee of board members typically makes the final decision, but investors and shareholders can push back if they believe the compensation is too high. If the compensation package is publicly accessible, lower-level employees and media outlets can also express such concerns.
Our Team Will Stand Up for You
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), there were 62,972,000 hires nationwide in 2025, with a U.S. annual average hiring rate of 3.3%. With millions of employment transitions each year, we help executives protect their compensation rights and address disputes over pay, benefits, and employment agreements.
As highly skilled professionals, executives have the right to stand up for themselves. Executive leaders earn their pay by making fundamental decisions about the company and its future. Those decisions drive the returns that are key to the company’s future.
If companies bend to shareholders’ criticisms, executives may earn less than they deserve. A skilled New York City attorney can fight against that process and help you collect a fair salary and benefits.
Why Should You Trust Joseph & Norinsberg With Your Executive Compensation Case?
We are a firm of highly tenacious employment lawyers. Known for our relentless work ethic and exceptional trial skills, Joseph & Norinsberg cares deeply about every client.
Our executive compensation lawyers in New York City have over 100 years of combined experience fighting for employees’ rights and have obtained more than $250 million in case results.
Drawing on an extensive knowledge of employment law, we focus on the details of each case and fight for the best possible results. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
$1.2 Million
Settlement
For a class of construction workers who were not properly paid for overtime
$975, 000
Settlement
For 23 restaurant employees who did not receive their full wages due to their employer’s unfair time-tracking practices
$750, 000
Settlement
For 25 cleaning company employees who were underpaid because of their employer’s unethical timekeeping methods.
What Kinds of Benefits Can Executives Expect To Receive When Starting a Position?
Executive benefit packages tend to be more robust than those geared to lower and mid-level employees. Typical benefits include:
- Signing bonuses: A one-time payment for a new executive as an incentive for joining the company
- Company stock options: The right to buy shares of the company’s stock at a pre-negotiated price
- Deferred compensation: A portion of the executive’s monetary compensation that they choose to receive later, often during retirement
- Supplemental executive retirement plans, or SERPs: A specific type of deferred compensation, typically involving a life insurance policy that the company purchases and pays out on the executive’s behalf
- Higher 401(k) matches: Company-paid retirement benefits that exceed what a non-executive at that organization can receive
- Disability insurance: Income replacement if the executive is suddenly unable to workโan essential benefit for highly paid employees with significant expenses
- Paid housing: Company-provided accommodations, often for executives who need to relocate or spend significant time at another location
- Travel and transportation perks: Use of the company’s aircraft, car, or driver, with possible allowances for personal purposes
The level and type of perks available depend on the company and position. The candidate’s qualifications often play a role, as does precedent within the organization.
What Is Discussed When Negotiating Executive Compensation?
While any element in a compensation package is up for discussion, conversations tend to focus on several key elements, including:
- Severance agreements: Documents outlining the pay and benefits available to an executive when employment ends.
- Pay and equity options: Details about salary, stock options, share purchase prices, and when the executive can exercise those options.
- Termination clauses: Terms explaining when the company can terminate the executive, including required notice and any preliminary steps.
- Non–compete agreements: Restrictions that prevent an executive from working for a competitor or starting a competing business for a specified period.
- Non–solicitation agreements: Clauses that prevent an executive from soliciting employees or customers to leave the company or follow them to a new business.
Why Should You Hire a New York City Executive Compensation Lawyer?
While it’s possible to negotiate a contract without an attorney, an experienced employment lawyer may improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Our attorneys can do the following for you:
- Review employee contracts and agreements: We can read through documents before you sign them, reducing your risk of agreeing to something unfavorable.
- Explain complicated compensation structures: We can ensure you understand everything in your pay package.
- Handle high–stakes negotiations and disputes: Weโll represent you in negotiations to protect your financial interests.
Having an experienced executive compensation lawyer in New York City speak for you can boost your professional reputation, particularly in the competitive New York job market. Our five–star Google and Avvo ratings and dedication to client satisfaction precede us.
Executive Compensation Issues in New York City
Executive compensation issues can arise at major New York City employers such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock, and Bloomberg. Disputes may involve things like bonuses, stock options, severance, or executive employment agreements.
These issues affect professionals across New York City, including Staten Island, and can create financial strain when executives must cover expenses such as rent and utility bills.
New York State laws may offer protections depending on the circumstances. Whether an executive works for a private company or a government organization, an attorney can review compensation agreements and help determine whether the employer has failed to meet its obligations.
Why Do You Need a New York Executive Compensation Lawyer?
While it’s possible to negotiate a contract without an attorney, an experienced employment lawyer can improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Our attorneys can do the following for you:
- Review contracts and agreements: We read through documents before you sign them, reducing your risk of agreeing to something unfavorable.
- Explain complex compensation structures: We can ensure you understand everything in your pay package.
- Handle high-stakes negotiations and disputes: We represent you in negotiations to protect your financial interests.
Having an experienced executive compensation lawyer speak for you can boost your professional reputation, particularly in the competitive New York job market. Our five-star rating and dedication to client satisfaction precede us, as our client testimonials reveal:
Contact Joseph & Norinsberg to Get a Free Consultation With a New York City Executive Compensation Attorney
If you were recently hired into an executive role or are renegotiating your contract, our knowledgeable executive compensation lawyers in New York City are here to help. Joseph & Norinsberg will advocate for the pay and benefits you have earned through years of hard work.
Jon Norinsberg is one of New York City’s leading civil rights and trial attorneys, with decades of experience litigating high-stakes constitutional and employment disputes.
He is known as a fearless, battle-tested trial lawyer who takes on powerful corporations, government entities, and public institutions in cases involving civil rights violations, police misconduct, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful conduct. Call today for a free consultation.
Jon Norinsberg is one of New York Cityโs leading civil rights and trial attorneys, with decades of experience litigating high-stakes constitutional and employment disputes. Jon is known as a fearless, battle-tested trial lawyer who takes on powerful corporations, government entities, and public institutions in cases involving civil rights violations, police misconduct, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful conduct.
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Increased clientโs severance for being discriminated against for their disability.
Defended 12 individuals facing discrimination and retaliation based on race and gender in the workplace.
Race discrimination case against a luxury brand in the fashion industry (confidential).