Executive Compensation

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Executive Compensation

Our HR & Employment Attorneys have extensive experience in the area of executive compensation and executive contracts. The firm regularly works with employers, boards of directors, compensation committees, and individual executives, including those at the C-Suite and VP levels, in Minnesota and nationwide.  FMJ works with clients to design, draft, and interpret executive compensation plans and strategies.  The firm also litigates issues regarding executive compensation.

Services Provided

The following list is an example of some of the services that our HR & Employment Law Team can provide.

  • Stock Option Plans
  • Equity Participation Plans
  • Profits Interests
  • Phantom Stock and Stock Appreciation Rights
  • Restricted Stock
  • Deferred Compensation Plans
  • Bonus and Commission Plans
  • Retention and Stay Bonuses
  • Change-of-Control Provisions
  • Restrictive Covenants
  • Claw-Backs
  • Top-Hat Plans
  • Key Employee Retention Plans
  • Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans
  • Severance Plans
  • Severance Agreements
  • Buy-Sell Agreements
  • Succession Planning
  • Executive Contracts

Our attorneys can also assist with compliance in related areas, including:

  • Sections 409(A), 280G, and 499 of the Tax Code
  • ERISA
  • State and Federal Securities Laws
  • The Sarbanes-Oxley Act
  • Bankruptcy Considerations
  • Other Regulatory Provisions

Please reach out today for assistance with your Executive Compensation matters.

Executive Compensation Team

V. John Ella
John Ella practices in all aspects of commercial litigation, employment law, and business law, and he has extensive knowledge and experience in all of these areas. John is a prolific writer and a thought leader in these areas, and he is a Qualified Neutral under Minnesota Rule 114.
V. John Ella
Shareholder
Natolie S. Hochhausen
Natolie provides clients with sophisticated guidance on a range of employment law issues, along with practical advice to navigate the complexities of day-to-day employee relations issues.
Natolie S. Hochhausen
Shareholder
Heidi A. Carpenter
Heidi Carpenter is a commercial, business, and mergers and acquisitions attorney, and she is the CEO of FMJ. She advises middle-market companies, business owners, and investors on M&A transactions, corporate governance, and business law matters throughout Minnesota and beyond.
Heidi A. Carpenter
Chief Executive Officer & Shareholder
Shannon M. McDonough
Shannon McDonough is the Chair of FMJ’s Employment and Litigation Practice Groups. Her legal practice is national in scope and includes employment litigation, commercial litigation, and unfair competition. Shannon also provides sophisticated employment and HR advising services.
Shannon M. McDonough
Shareholder
Lindsey E. Krause
Lindsey partners with employers to advise them on all aspects of HR & Employment Law. She regularly assists employers with drafting and revising employee handbooks, employment agreements, and other workplace documents, as well as guiding internal investigations, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
Lindsey E. Krause
Associate

Executive Compensation Resources

October 2026

Federal Judge Certifies Question About Minnesota Non-Solicitation Agreements

Courts are continuing to consider what employers can prevent in Minnesota Non-Solicitation Agreements. Read more

September 2026

When is Commuting Time Compensable (or Not)? DOL Issues Two Opinions.

Are voluntary midday commutes compensable for non-exempt employees? Generally no... Read more

August 2026

17 FMJ Attorneys Selected for the New Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch Lists

Congratulations! Read more

July 2026

24 Fafinski Mark & Johnson Attorneys Included on Minnesota Monthly’s 2026 Top Lawyers List!

24 attorneys are listed across 13 different practice areas. Read more

June 2026

FMJ Selected Again as One of Minnesota’s Best Women-Led Law Firms

This recognition highlights FMJ's strong leadership, legal excellence, and commitment to supporting and advancing women in the legal profession and business community. Read more

June 2026

Employer Faces Liability Under Minnesota’s Drug Testing Law (DATWA) After a Different Employer’s Drug Test

Employers face potential liability when terminating employees based on drug testing information, even when the employer did not administer the test. Read more

June 2026

Heidi Carpenter Selected for 2026 Chambers USA Ranking

Congratulations to Heidi Carpenter on being selected for the 2026 Chambers USA rankings in Corporate/M&A for Minnesota! Read more

June 2026

FMJ Selected Again for Multiple Chambers Rankings in 2026

FMJ is grateful to our clients, referral partners, and colleagues for their continued support. Read more

May 2026

Shannon McDonough and John Ella Named to the Prestigious Minnesota Legal 250!

Shannon has been selected for the Business Litigation List, and John has been selected for the Employment Law List. Read more

March 2026

FMJ Welcomes HR & Employment Attorney Lindsey Krause

Lindsey will handle a wide range of labor and employment matters. Welcome to FMJ! Read more

March 2026

Employment Law Considerations for Non-Employees in Minnesota, Including LLC Members, Founders, and Nonprofit Organization Members

Learn how Minnesota employment laws apply to founders, nonprofits, and business owners, and when to seek legal help. Read more

February 2026

Are AI Generated Documents Privileged? No, According to a Recent Court Ruling.

AI searches and documents may not be protected by the attorney-client privilege. Read more

November 2025

Heidi Carpenter Selected for Ranking on Legal500 Minneapolis Elite

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Heidi! Read more

August 2025

John Ella Chosen for the Employment Law Power List

John has been honored among the top employment lawyers in Minnesota. Read more

August 2025

Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program – FMJ Law Podcast Episode 35

PFML is live January 1, 2026, and there are other employer requirements in December 2025. Is your org ready? Read more

More Resources

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