Baker McKenzie LLP

Praised by clients as ‘the best for cross-border transactions’, Baker McKenzie LLP advises public and private entities on employee benefits, executive compensation, and equity compensation in domestic and multi-jurisdictional M&A, spin-offs, and workforce reductions. The firm serves a diverse sector range, including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and gaming. Practice chair Barbara Klementz, based in San Francisco, is known for her expertise in implementing global incentive programs and navigating the tax implications for cross-border employee participation. San Francisco’s Denise Glagau specializes in the tax and legal aspects of employee share plans and the international expansion of equity plans during IPOs. Sinead Kelly, another San Francisco team member, focuses on the effects of corporate transactions and reorganizations on compensation structures. In Chicago, Maura Ann McBreen offers guidance to C-suite executives and employers on compensation strategies and tax-qualified retirement plans. Thomas Asmar in Palo Alto advises public and private companies, as well as private equity funds on the benefits and compensation issues that emerge from M&A and IPO activities.