Executive employment agreements shape your income, equity, benefits, and long-term career options. At Lebau & Neuworth, our executive compensation lawyers represent senior executives, officers, physicians, partners, and high-level professionals across Maryland and Washington, DC. We negotiate, structure, and review executive compensation agreements designed to protect your financial interests while preserving important business relationships.
Executive Employment Contract Review and Negotiation in Baltimore and Washington, DC
Executive contracts often involve far more than salary. They may include complex compensation structures, equity grants, restrictive covenants, and termination provisions that carry long-term consequences.
Our Maryland and DC executive employment attorneys assist with:
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Executive employment agreement negotiation
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CEO, CFO, and senior leadership contracts
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Offer letter review for high-level employees
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Multi-year compensation agreements
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Contract renewals and amendments
We focus on clear language, enforceability, and long-term protection so you understand exactly what you are signing.
Executive Compensation Packages: Salary, Bonus, and Equity
Executive compensation packages often combine base pay with performance-based incentives and ownership interests. These agreements can include:
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Base salary and guaranteed compensation
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Annual and discretionary bonus structures
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Equity grants, stock options, and restricted stock units
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Profit-sharing or partnership interests
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Deferred compensation arrangements
We review compensation formulas, performance metrics, vesting schedules, and payout triggers to ensure they align with your expectations and industry standards.
If you are joining a startup, private company, nonprofit, healthcare system, or publicly traded company, we tailor our advice to your role and the organization’s structure.
Severance Agreements and Change-in-Control Provisions
Severance protection is one of the most negotiated parts of an executive contract. A well-drafted severance clause can protect you if your employment ends unexpectedly.
We advise executives on:
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Severance pay terms and salary continuation
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Bonus eligibility upon termination
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Equity acceleration and vesting
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Change-in-control protections
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“Good reason” and “for cause” definitions
If you are leaving a company or facing termination, we also negotiate executive severance agreements to secure favorable financial and professional terms.
Noncompete Agreements and Restrictive Covenants for Executives
High-level employees are often asked to sign restrictive covenants that limit future employment opportunities. These provisions may include:
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Nonsolicitation clauses
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Confidentiality agreements
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Non-disparagement provisions
The enforceability of noncompete agreements in Maryland and DC depends on scope, duration, and geographic limits. We analyze whether restrictions are reasonable and negotiate revisions that protect your career mobility.
If you are transitioning to a new employer, we help reduce the risk of litigation and disputes tied to restrictive covenants.
Incentive Compensation and Performance-Based Pay Disputes
Disputes over earned bonuses, incentive pay, and equity compensation are common at the executive level. These cases may involve:
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Disagreements over performance metrics
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Discretionary bonus denials
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Forfeited stock options
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Unpaid incentive compensation after termination
Our executive compensation attorneys evaluate contract language and compensation plans to determine whether compensation has been wrongfully withheld.
Negotiating Executive Agreements Without Damaging Employer Relationships
Executive negotiations are often time-sensitive and relationship-driven. We understand the balance between assertive advocacy and maintaining a productive working relationship with a new or current employer.
At Lebau & Neuworth, we:
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Provide discreet contract review and strategy advice
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Negotiate directly with employers when appropriate
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Offer behind-the-scenes guidance when clients prefer to lead discussions
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Identify long-term risks in compensation structures
Our experience in executive employment law allows us to anticipate issues that may not be obvious during initial negotiations.
Industries We Serve in Maryland and Washington, DC
We represent executives across a wide range of industries, including:
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Healthcare and hospital systems
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Financial services and banking
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Technology and startups
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Government contractors
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Higher education
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Nonprofit leadership
Whether you are negotiating your first executive role or renegotiating a long-standing agreement, we provide strategic guidance tailored to your field.
Speak With an Executive Compensation Attorney at Lebau & Neuworth
Your executive contract affects your compensation, equity, benefits, and future opportunities. Before signing or renegotiating an agreement, make sure your interests are fully protected. Contact the experienced team at Lebau & Neuworth to discuss your executive compensation agreement in Maryland or Washington, DC. We are ready to help you negotiate from a position of strength.
