Protecting the Careers and Interests of Executive Employees
As your dedicated executive contracts lawyer, Lazaro Law Group understands that executive employment is about more than just a paycheck. It’s about negotiating the right position, securing fair compensation, and protecting your professional future. As a premier Chicago-based firm, we specialize in advising and representing executives in all aspects of employment law, from employment contracts to severance agreements and everything in between. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of the legal and financial landscape, our attorneys help high-level employees navigate complex employment situations with clarity and confidence.
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Tailored Legal Services for Executive Contracts
Our practice is centered around providing strategic, results-driven representation for executives. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, negotiating compensation, or facing termination, we offer guidance tailored to your needs and goals.
Employment Contracts & Agreements
We assist executives in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating employment agreements that reflect their worth and expectations. These agreements are critical for defining the terms of employment, including:
- Base salary and performance bonuses
- Stock options and other equity-based awards
- Benefits, notice requirements, and other restrictive covenants
- Tax implications related to compensation and bonuses
We go beyond the basics, helping you understand the finer points of your contract such as termination clauses, relocation assistance, and intellectual property provisions. Our vision is to ensure that your agreement reflects your career goals while minimizing legal risk. We work collaboratively with our clients to anticipate future career moves and ensure your contract won’t inhibit growth or opportunities. We also provide advice on renegotiating contracts upon promotions, mergers, or new employment opportunities.
Executive Compensation & Equity Negotiations
Executive roles often come with complex compensation packages. We help you understand, evaluate, and negotiate every component, including:
- Executive compensation structures
- Equity-based awards and stock options
- Stay bonuses and other high-level incentives
- Other equity-based and deferred compensation plans
We offer in-depth analysis of all forms of compensation, including phantom stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), and long-term incentive plans (LTIPs).Our attorneys also consider the potential tax consequences of various forms of equity to ensure you retain the maximum benefit. We negotiate packages that reflect the executive’s value, often including claw back protections, change-in-control bonuses, and vesting acceleration terms. By negotiating on your behalf, we strive to optimize both your current compensation and your long-term financial security.
Severance Packages & Separation Agreements
Whether you’re leaving a position voluntarily or facing termination, a well-negotiated severance package can have a lasting impact on your financial future. We provide experienced legal counsel to:
- Review severance agreements for fairness and compliance
- Negotiate improved severance packages
- Advise on tax implications and future employment considerations
- Protect against overly restrictive non-compete or confidentiality clauses
We help clients secure favorable terms and avoid common pitfalls in the separation process—including those related to wrongful termination. Whether your exit is amicable or contentious, we ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Restrictive Covenants: Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation & More
If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated, you need experienced legal representation that understands the stakes. We represent executives in disputes involving:
- Breach of contract
- Retaliation and discrimination
- Violation of public policy or company policy
Executives often face unique challenges when it comes to termination, including damage to their professional reputation and loss of equity or bonuses. We analyze the circumstances surrounding your termination, review documentation, interview witnesses if necessary, and build a compelling case to advocate for your rights. Our legal team works to uncover patterns of misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty, or other employer violations. Whether through litigation or settlement negotiations, we fight to recover lost compensation and safeguard your professional standing.
Restrictive Covenants: Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation & More
Many executives are bound by restrictive covenants that can limit future employment opportunities. Our firm evaluates these provisions to determine their enforceability and offers strategic advice to:
- Modify or challenge non-compete agreements
- Clarify the scope of confidentiality and non-solicitation clauses
- Protect your ability to pursue new employment opportunities
We work to ensure these agreements are fair and do not unreasonably hinder your career.
Why Executives Choose Lazaro Law Group
As a boutique law firm focusing on employment law for executives, we bring:
- Extensive Experience Representing Executives: We’ve worked with C-suite leaders, directors, and other high-level professionals across industries.
- Specialized Training in Employment Law: Our legal team stays current with laws affecting employment, compensation, and corporate transitions.
- Personalized Strategy: We tailor our approach to your individual goals, industry norms, and long-term career trajectory.
- Proven Results: Our firm has successfully negotiated thousands of executive contracts, resulting in better compensation, improved terms, and more favorable exits.
Our focus is always on protecting your interests and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Let Us Protect Your Executive Career
As your trusted executive contracts lawyer, Lazaro Law Group is ready to help you navigate the legal complexities of executive employment. Whether you’re negotiating a new position or seeking fair treatment during a transition, our attorneys are here to provide experienced, strategic legal guidance tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Take control of your career and protect what you’ve worked hard to build. Call (312) 461-9900 or click below to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I look for in an executive employment agreement?
You should ensure clarity on your role, base salary, bonuses, equity options, restrictive covenants, and termination clauses. A thorough legal review is essential to avoid surprises down the line.
How are severance packages negotiated?
Severance packages can be negotiated based on your tenure, performance, reason for departure, and legal leverage. Our attorneys negotiate favorable terms while protecting your future job prospects.
Are non-compete clauses enforceable in Illinois?
They can be, but only under certain conditions. Illinois courts consider factors such as the scope, duration, and geographical limits of the clause. We analyze these to determine enforceability.
What if I was wrongfully terminated?
If you suspect wrongful termination, we can investigate your claim, review your contract, and pursue legal remedies to protect your rights and seek compensation.
Do you represent clients outside of Chicago?
Yes. While based in Chicago, we represent executives from across the country and work with clients in diverse industries.
