(240) 483-4678

OVERVIEW

The Saber Firm advises corporate executives, senior leaders, and high-net-worth individuals on employment transitions, executive compensation, equity arrangements, and new venture formation. Our executive counsel practice serves C-suite executives, board members, senior vice presidents, and key employees navigating career transitions, negotiating compensation packages, and pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities. We provide strategic counsel that protects executive interests while advancing career objectives and wealth-building goals. Our representation encompasses employment agreement negotiation, equity compensation structuring, severance and transition planning, restrictive covenant analysis, and new business formation for executives departing corporate roles to launch independent ventures. Beyond an understanding of employment law and compensation structures, we are familiar with the business realities and market dynamics that influence executive career decisions and seek to position our clients for optimal outcomes whether they remain in corporate employment or pursue entrepreneurial paths. We provide counsel through all stages of executive career progression from initial employment negotiations through mid-career transitions, senior leadership roles, and eventual exits or new venture launches.

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

We represent executives in negotiation of employment agreements with public companies, private equity-backed businesses and closely held enterprises. Our employment agreement practice addresses the full spectrum of terms that govern executive employment relationships and protect executive interests.

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Our employment agreement services include:

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• Base salary and bonus structures including guaranteed bonuses and performance-based incentive criteria.

• Equity compensation including stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, and performance shares.

• Benefits packages including retirement plans, health insurance, life insurance, and perquisites.

• Severance provisions including termination without cause, good reason definitions, and change of control protections.

• Restrictive covenants including non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality obligations.

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We negotiate employment terms that provide competitive compensation, appropriate protections upon termination, and reasonable restrictions on post-employment activities. Our practice includes careful review of restrictive covenants to ensure they do not unduly limit executives' future career opportunities while recognizing employers' legitimate business interests.

EQUITY COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS

We counsel executives on equity compensation including stock options, restricted stock units, performance shares, and carried interest arrangements. Equity compensation represents significant component of executive wealth, requiring sophisticated planning for exercise timing, tax optimization, and liquidity strategies.

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We advise on incentive stock options versus non-qualified stock options, analyzing tax consequences and exercise strategies that minimize tax liabilities while managing concentration risk. Our practice includes negotiation of equity grant terms, vesting schedules, acceleration provisions upon change of control or termination, and post-termination exercise periods. We also counsel on Section 83(b) elections for restricted stock, strategies for diversifying concentrated equity positions, and coordination of equity compensation with overall financial planning and wealth management objectives.

EXECUTIVE TRANSITIONS AND SEVERANCE

We represent executives in employment transitions including voluntary departures, terminations, and retirement. Executive transitions require careful attention to severance entitlements, equity treatment, restrictive covenant obligations, and transition logistics.

Our transition practice addresses negotiation of severance packages, treatment of unvested equity compensation, acceleration of vesting upon termination, continued benefits during transition periods, and reference and announcement protocols. We analyze good reason definitions in employment agreements to determine whether circumstances justify resignation with severance benefits. Our practice includes review of release agreements and non-disparagement provisions, ensuring that executives receive appropriate consideration for broad releases while preserving necessary rights and remedies.

NEW VENTURE FORMATION

We counsel executives departing corporate employment to launch independent businesses or consulting practices. New venture formation for executives involves entity selection, equity structuring, intellectual property protection, and compliance with restrictive covenants from prior employment.

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We advise on business entity formation including C corporations, S corporations, and limited liability companies, analyzing tax implications and operational considerations. Our new venture practice includes:

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• Operating agreements and bylaws establishing governance structures.

• Equity allocation among founders and early employees.

• Intellectual property assignments and protection strategies.

• Analysis of restrictive covenants and compliance strategies to avoid conflicts with former employers.

• Customer and vendor agreements for initial business operations.

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We help executives structure new ventures for growth and investment readiness, implementing appropriate legal infrastructure from inception while managing risks associated with competitive activities and solicitation of former employer relationships.

BOARD SERVICE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

We advise executives serving on corporate boards regarding director compensation, fiduciary duties, and D&O insurance coverage. Board service presents distinct legal considerations beyond executive employment, requiring understanding of director responsibilities and liability exposure.

We counsel on director compensation packages including cash retainers, equity grants, and committee service fees. Our board practice addresses indemnification agreements, advancement of legal expenses, and D&O insurance policy review. We also advise on conflicts of interest, related party transactions, and situations where director duties may conflict with executive employment obligations or personal business interests.

EXECUTIVE CONSULTING AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS

We represent executives establishing consulting and advisory practices serving multiple clients or providing strategic guidance to portfolio companies. Executive consulting arrangements require clear scopes of work, appropriate compensation structures, and protection of confidential information and intellectual property.

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We draft consulting agreements addressing service descriptions, deliverables, compensation terms, expense reimbursement, and termination provisions. Our consulting practice includes intellectual property ownership provisions, ensuring appropriate allocation of work product rights between consultants and clients. We also advise on independent contractor classification, helping executives structure consulting relationships to satisfy tax and legal requirements for independent contractor status rather than employee classification.