DLA Piper LLP (US)

Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation; Corporate; Tax; Employment; Intellectual Property and Technology; Insurance and Reinsurance Disputes; Insurance; Healthcare

Partner; Co-chair, US Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice

Rich Ashley's practice includes advising both public and private companies on the design, implementation and administration of qualified retirement plans, nonqualified retirement plans, welfare benefit plans, equity incentive programs and executive compensation arrangements.

Rich's practice includes advising professional asset managers, registered investment advisors, plan fiduciaries, and service providers with respect to fiduciary obligations, reporting and disclosure obligations, recordkeeping, and compliance with the prohibited transaction rules under ERISA and the Code. Rich regularly advises private funds and hedge fund sponsors with respect to ERISA Title I matters, and regularly consults with clients with respect to managing plan assets and structuring venture capital and real estate operating companies

Rich regularly works with plan administrators on benefit plan compliance and testing issues. Rich has experience with IRS and DOL correction procedures and has represented clients on a variety of compliance issues in connection with government audits.

Rich has extensive experience in the benefits and compensation issues that arise in connection with the transactions, including Code Sections 162(m), 280G and 409A compliance. Rich regularly advises Plan fiduciaries with respect to their duties, best practices, matters relating to the ERISA plan assets regulations and ERISA issues arising under credit agreements. Rich also works with Section 16 officers with respect to their legal obligations.

Rich regularly represents public companies, executive officers, and management teams in connection with potential mergers and acquisitions. Rich also designs and assists in the implementation of Change in Control Agreements and executive continuity and protection programs. Rich has represented professional athletes and executives of professional sports' organizations with respect to employment and compensation matters.

LL.M., Georgetown University Law Center; J.D., John Marshall Law School; B.A., Syracuse University