Published : 6 years ago, on 09/08/2018

Firm bolsters its benefits and compensation group with second partner addition since July

In the second major addition to its Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation and ERISA Group, Stroock announces that experienced compensation and benefits attorney Austin S. Lilling has joined the group as a partner in New York.

Previously leading Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP’s executive compensation practice, Mr. Lilling’s arrival to Stroock follows that of Patrick Menasco, who joined the Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation and ERISA Group as a partner in July from Steptoe.

Mr. Lilling provides strategic counsel on benefit plans and compensation arrangements across a broad spectrum of industries. Mr. Lilling’s practice focuses on the design and negotiation of key executive compensation, incentive, severance, retention and change in control arrangements, as well as equity and equity-based compensation programs in connection with M&A and various other commercial transactions, including those in the investment funds and financial restructuring arenas. He also counsels companies on the securities, employment and corporate issues relating to employee benefits and compensation, including in connection with going public transactions, and regularly advises boards, compensation committees, sponsors and other interested parties on the tax implications of benefit and compensation plan operation and design, including deferred compensation arrangements and Code Section 409A.

Mr. Lilling is a go to advisor for many CEOs, C-suite executives and other key employees across the nation in dealings regarding their executive compensation packages.

“Austin is a talented and knowledgeable advisor with a strong track record of achieving success for organizations with unique business needs,” said firm co-managing partner Jeff Keitelman. “Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation and ERISA is an essential component for many of our financial services practices; our clients will benefit from the significant experience he brings to the firm.”

On joining Stroock Mr. Lilling noted, “Stroock’s established corporate, real estate, funds and financial restructuring practices, together with its deep rooted reputation in the legal sphere, make it a top destination for me to continue to grow my compensation and benefits practice. I’m thrilled to join Stroock as the firm further develops its ERISA team. During my discussions with the firm, management’s keen focus and clear vision for the future was incredibly attractive. This is a firm on the move with a bright future, and I am very excited to be a part of that.”

Mr. Lilling earned his LL.M. (Taxation) from New York University School of Law and his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law. He graduated with a B.A. from Emory University.

Stroock provides strategic transactional, regulatory and litigation advice to advance the business objectives of leading financial institutions, multinational corporations and entrepreneurial businesses in the U.S. and globally. With a rich history dating back 140 years, the firm has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, D.C. For more, visit www.stroock.com.