The practice at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a strong reputation for handling the full remit of complex and high-value remuneration and incentives work, which includes acting on the scheme elements of major corporate transactions such as high-stakes M&A deals, and advising on the arrangement of strategic partnerships. Corporate and financial services clients form the group's client roster, which the team also advises on corporate governance issues. ‘Wonderful remuneration expert’ Paul Ellerman specialises in advising listed and private companies on share plan and corporate governance issues, while the ’exceptional’ Mark Ife has experience handling work for global banks and asset managers; the pair jointly lead the practice. Executive recruitment and termination cases form part of Kiran Khetia‘s workload. Niall Crean is also a key name to note, as is Chris White, who is well equipped to advise on cash and share-based incentive arrangements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The standout partner is Paul Ellerman and his associate Chris White. They are responsive and meet client requirements.’
‘The team has an in-depth knowledge of incentive remuneration and IFPR implications impacting the financial services sector. They clearly understand the challenges of being compliant with regulatory requirements but are also commercial in approach. They partner with the client.’
‘Clear and concise communication style. Unflappable. Capable of balancing multiple demands. Goal-orientated also.’
‘Paul Ellerman not only provides excellent advice and service but he is also very pleasant to work with.’
‘They are strong in three key pillars: employment, remuneration and pensions and are able to work efficiently in large projects.’
‘Paul Ellerman is a wonderful remuneration expert who is highly responsive and great to work with in complex remuneration matters. Mark Ife is also excellent in his field of remuneration expertise.’
'Mark Ife is exceptional.’
‘All the team are extremely knowledgeable, experienced, practical, quick to respond and friendly.’
Key clients
- Wickes
- easyJet
- Spirax-Sarco
- Moneysupermarket.com
- Shaftesbury Capital
- The Ardonagh Group
- Associated British Foods
- Air France-KLM
- Comcast
- British Land
- BHP
- WH Smith
- Jet2.com
- BAT
- Page Group
- Genus
- Kin + Carta
- Inchcape
Work highlights
- Advised a low earth orbit broadband satellite communications company on the share plan aspects of its all-share combination with a listed French satellite and telecoms company.
- Advised Kin + Carta on the share plan aspects of its takeover process.
- Advised a client on all incentives and remuneration aspects of its recommended acquisition and on the treatment of multiple all-employee share offers that had been made.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Paul Ellerman, Mark Ife