Executive Compensation Lawyers: Protecting the Rights of High-Level Professionals

Note: Morgan & Morgan handles all forms of labor and employment litigation, including those related to executive pay. Specifically, we may be able to help executives with litigation related to bonuses, severance agreements, wrongful termination, equity and stock, perquisites, and more.

Executive compensation is often complex, multi-layered, and high-stakes. 

Whether it involves negotiated bonuses, equity grants, severance agreements, or wrongful termination disputes, executives may need more than just a solid employment contract. When push comes to shove, they may need a legal team that can stand up for their rights when those agreements are violated.

At Morgan & Morgan, we fight For the People, and that includes high-level professionals and corporate executives who find themselves in disputes over their compensation. 

With decades of experience in employment law, we know that just because someone is highly paid and highly ranked doesn’t mean they’re immune to mistreatment, breaches of contract, or illegal employment practices.

If you're an executive facing compensation issues, our team of experienced executive compensation lawyers can help protect what you’ve earned. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

What Is Executive Compensation?

Executive compensation refers to the pay, benefits, and other incentives awarded to senior executives or officers in a company. Unlike regular employees who typically earn wages or salaries, executives often receive more sophisticated and performance-based pay packages that include:

• Base salary
• Performance bonuses
• Short- and long-term incentives
• Equity awards (stock options, restricted stock units, etc.)
• Retirement and deferred compensation
• Perquisites (perks) such as housing, company vehicles, or club memberships
• Severance packages and golden parachutes

These compensation plans are often tied to employment agreements and can be governed by state and federal labor laws, corporate governance guidelines, and contractual obligations. When disputes arise over these terms, especially during terminations, mergers, or business reorganizations, it’s critical to have legal representation that understands both the language of the deal and the laws that govern it.

Common Executive Compensation Disputes

At Morgan & Morgan, our employment attorneys represent executives in a wide range of compensation-related disputes. Some of the most common legal issues we help with include:

Unpaid Bonuses or Incentives

Many executives earn a significant portion of their income through bonuses and performance-based incentives. Disputes often arise when:

• A company withholds a bonus without cause
• A change in ownership or leadership results in the restructuring of incentive plans
• Bonuses are tied to metrics that are manipulated or not disclosed

If you believe you’ve been wrongfully denied a bonus you earned, we may be able to help you recover it.

Severance Agreement Disputes

Severance packages are often negotiated as part of executive employment contracts and may include:

• Lump-sum payments
• Continued health benefits
• Vesting of equity awards
• Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses

Sometimes employers attempt to withhold severance without justification or use severance negotiations to pressure executives into signing unfair releases. If your severance agreement is under dispute or you’re unsure whether to sign a release, speak to one of our attorneys first.

Wrongful Termination

Executives are not always immune to wrongful discharge. Even at the top, employers may terminate high-level employees for unlawful reasons such as:

• Retaliation (e.g., for whistleblowing)
• Discrimination (age, gender, race, etc.)
• Breach of contract
• Violation of public policy

We have successfully represented clients in wrongful termination lawsuits where the employer failed to honor employment agreements or terminated executives under illegal pretenses.

Equity and Stock Option Disputes

Equity compensation is often the most valuable part of an executive’s pay package. Disputes may arise over:

• Vesting schedules
• Forfeiture clauses after termination
• Equity buybacks at below-market value
• Denial of stock options despite meeting performance benchmarks

Our attorneys can evaluate whether your employer is unlawfully withholding your equity or trying to devalue your holdings.

Change-in-Control Provisions

Executives are often promised additional compensation or accelerated vesting if the company is sold, merged, or acquired. These “change-in-control” clauses are ripe for abuse or misinterpretation. If a corporate transaction has affected your compensation, we can assess whether your contract has been violated.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty or Good Faith

Employment agreements with executives usually include obligations on both sides to act in good faith. If your employer breached that duty by misrepresenting company finances, restructuring the business to reduce your pay, or retaliating after a good-faith dispute, you may have a case.

Why You Need an Executive Compensation Attorney

These are not typical employment cases. Executive compensation litigation is a niche legal field that requires an understanding of:

• Contract law
• Securities law
• Tax implications
• Corporate governance
• Employment discrimination statutes
• State-specific labor codes

At Morgan & Morgan, our team is equipped with the resources and experience needed to go toe-to-toe with large corporations, even when they’re backed by high-powered legal teams. We bring deep experience in employment law and executive advocacy to every case.

We also understand how to handle sensitive, high-profile matters discreetly, protecting your privacy and your professional reputation.

What to Do if You Have an Executive Compensation Dispute

If you’re facing an issue with your compensation, take the following steps to protect your legal rights:

1. Document Everything

Save copies of your employment agreement, compensation plan, emails, performance reviews, and any other communication related to your compensation or termination.

2. Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Review

Many executives are pressured to sign release agreements or non-disclosure clauses quickly. Before signing, consult with a qualified employment attorney to ensure your rights aren’t being waived.

3. Avoid Retaliation or Public Conflict

While it may be tempting to go public or respond emotionally, it’s best to stay professional. Let your legal team handle communications.

4. Consult a Lawyer Early

The earlier you involve legal counsel, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we can help protect your interests at every stage.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

We represent executives across all industries, including tech, finance, healthcare, media, real estate, and more. Our services include:

• Contract review and negotiation: We can help you understand your rights before you sign a new job offer, severance agreement, or equity plan.
• Dispute resolution and litigation: If your employer breaches your agreement or mistreats you, we’ll fight to enforce your rights and recover damages.
• Wrongful termination lawsuits: If you were let go for unlawful reasons, we may be able to pursue compensation for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress.
• Equity compensation protection: We’ll work to ensure your stock options, RSUs, and other holdings are honored and paid out fairly.

And unlike many firms, we work on a contingency fee basis whenever possible, which means you don’t pay unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is executive compensation negotiable?

Yes. In fact, almost every element of an executive compensation package is negotiable, including salary, bonuses, stock, severance, and non-compete clauses. A lawyer can help negotiate more favorable terms.

Can I sue my employer for not paying my bonus?

Yes, if the bonus was contractually agreed upon or you met the stated requirements, and your employer refuses to pay without a valid reason, you may have a legal claim.

What happens to my stock options if I’m terminated?

That depends on the terms of your equity agreement. Some contracts include accelerated vesting, while others may impose forfeiture. We can help determine what you’re legally entitled to.

Do I have to sign a non-compete to get my severance?

Not necessarily. Some employers may try to tie severance to restrictive covenants. A lawyer can review whether such conditions are enforceable in your state.

Can Morgan & Morgan help if I’ve already signed a release?

Possibly. If you were pressured into signing under duress or if the agreement violates employment laws, we may still be able to challenge it.

If you're an executive with questions or concerns about your compensation, don’t wait. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of protecting what you’ve earned.

Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, confidential case evaluation. Our team of executive compensation attorneys is ready to review your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.