Robert Adelson, Esq.
  • Blog
  • About

March 2025 Executive Employment Law Newsletter

3/10/2025

0 Comments

 
I hope this email finds you and your family in good health.  We are now into March, with this executive employment law newsletter reaching you on March 4th, which date has a place in US history. On this date, on a cool mostly cloudy afternoon in Washington D.C. 92 years ago, March 4, 1933, Franklin Delano Roosevelt took the oath of office to become the 32nd U.S. President.  He told a nation, during some of the worst days of the Great Depression, that the “only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. With his courage, candor, intelligence, and indomitable spirit, he would go on to lead America through those hard days and then through World War II that would follow, as our nation’s longest serving President.  See link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khFwYWWF6Tc

Meanwhile winter continues.  For those like my wife who relishes her winter sports, I do hope there will be sufficient snow and ice this last month of winter.  For those like me who look forward to warmer weather, perhaps you will get a chance to sneak off for time in the sun in warmer places.
​
March madness will soon begin and to all with your brackets and betting favorites, and for those out there with alma maters in the NCAA Basketball Tournament  – all best of luck! For my two tournament-eligible alma maters, this has not been the best of years, but both still do nurse their slim NCAA Tournament chances. Boston University – with four Patriot League wins in its last five games, the Terriers will host Navy in a first round PL tournament game at the “Roof” this Thursday.  Northwestern, after recent 20-win seasons, has been well below that this season, near the bottom of the 18-team “Big Ten.”  However, with 3 recent Big Ten wins, the Wildcats may finish among the top 15 to at least compete in the Big Ten Conference Tournament, March 12-16 in Indianapolis. So, hoping both BU and NU can stay hot through their respective Conference Tournaments though both are long shots for the 2025 Big Dance.

Meanwhile in men’s college hockey, BU won the Beanpot 4-1 in an upset over BC at TD Garden on Feb. 10, but BC remains firmly no.1 atop the college ice hockey national rankings. Hockey East remains strong with five New England college teams ranked among the top ten in national polls. So perhaps we will see a rare all-Eastern final at the Frozen Four in St. Louis April 10 to 12. All the while, in our professional winter sports, the Bruins are struggling and the Celtics are having a solid season and we can hope both will make the playoffs with a decent playoff run for the Celtics beginning next month. The Celtics will be defending their NBA championship but competition will be stiff.

As for Newsletter items, last week, CEOWORLD magazine published an article of mine on FAQs – my answers to Frequently Asked Questions that I receive on executive compensation, executive equity and negotiations.  Further into this March Newsletter, items #3 and #4 are two older articles of mine, both published in IVYEXEC career advancement website,#3 published in 2022 on leveraging  your strengths in negotiating for key terms in executive retention packages, #4 published in 2023 on terms to negotiate for in your new job offer or employment contract as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or a Chief Information Officer (CIO). Item #5 is a special offer also on executive retention. As always,  I hope some of these items might be of interest and  benefit… and my best wishes to all for the rest of March!

1.   Answers to FAQs on Executive Compensation and Equity Packages

My article published a week ago, on Feb. 25, in CEOWORLD magazine, gives answers to a series of frequently asked questions over executive compensation, equity packages and negotiations.  These include when to seek and what to seek for a signing  bonus, how much to seek and how to structure your executive equity, what terms to seek for triggers and benefits in severance, plus my answers to other key questions C-level and senior executives have asked me… questions that you have as well. Read the Article Here

2.  Work with CEOs, C-Suite and Senior Executives, exclusively.

Robert Adelson is an attorney specialized in the representation of CEOs, C-level and senior executives. He no longer represents companies or employers.  Learn about Robert Adelson’s work with CEOs, C-level and senior executives to advise on and improve job offers, employment contracts, stock, RSUs, options, bonuses and other executive compensation matters, plus advice and aid on issues of wrongful termination, severance, exit terms, retention, change of control, other executive issues and more … More Details Here

3.  Executive Retention Packages – Terms and Negotiations

Do you have now, or Do you soon expect an attractive job offer to leave your CEO or senior executive position?  Is your company “in play”?  Are you nearing a funding milestone?  Are there other reasons why your company has dependence on you and strong desire for you not to leave now.  My article, published in 2022 by IVY EXEC career advancement website, discusses the negotiation and terms for retention agreements in those and other circumstances, where you, as the executive have leverage, and seek to realize important protections and benefits in connection with the company’s need to retain your services.  Read the Article Here

4.  Negotiating terms of Your CTO or CIO Job Offer

If you have a new job offer or employment contract as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or a Chief Information Officer (CIO) in a tech or life sciences company or another company involved with the internet or innovation economy, my February 2023  article published in IVYEXEC career advancement website,  advises on terms for authority, interface and support for your position, protection of your own ideas and inventions, compensation, equity and other essential terms to negotiate   Read the Article Here

5.      3/2025 Offer:  Good until March 31st  ​

This almost 4-weeks value-packed offer, is as a way to get introduced to my law work: Executive Employment Retention Law Diagnostic — this offer is good through 3/31/25.   More Details Here
It’s always a pleasure to get back in touch with you and other clients, friends, and colleagues.  I hope the links and information provided will be useful to you and that there will be an opportunity for me to work with you on legal matters in the near future. 
Let’s keep in touch! 
Best regards,
Rob
Robert Adelson

*Adelson & Associates, LLC
Executive Employment Attorney
101 Federal Street, 19th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 204-5601 Law Firm
(617) 204-5602 Direct
(617) 204-5604 Fax
E-mail :  [email protected]
Blog:  https://robadelson.wordpress.com/
Twitter:  @AttorneyAdelson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-adelson-b8a1557/
Website: www.executiveemploymentattorney.com
Note on Adelson & Associates, LLC:
*As mentioned in bullet no. 2 of the January 2020 Business Law Newsletter, Robert A. Adelson is now the Principal of Adelson & Associates, LLC.  For fifteen (15) years, from October 2004 through December 2019, Robert Adelson practiced law and referred legal work to associates of his, trusted and experienced colleagues, as a partner of Engel & Schultz, LLP.  In December 2019, the lead partners of the firm announced they would go into semi-retirement, go their separate ways, and the office lease would expire in January 2020.  In response, Robert Adelson formed Adelson & Associates, LLC in December 2019 and commenced the new firm’s operations on January 1, 2020, with the new firm taking over, on that date and going forward, all current Robert Adelson clients, matters and operations, as well as all referral of legal work to associates of Robert Adelson.  The new firm’s offices, at 101 Federal Street, 19th Floor, are across the street from the prior offices at One Federal Street, 21st Floor, in Boston’s Financial District.
0 Comments

Executive Contract Negotiations for Life Sciences Executives

1/16/2025

0 Comments

 
On Wednesday October 9, 2024, the executive career advancement website IvyExec published an article I wrote, “Executive Contract Negotiations for Life Sciences Executives.
​
This article was designed for CEOs and other C-Suite, VPs or other senior executives in Medical Device, Biotechnology and other life science companies who, when negotiating a new job offer or employment contract or terms of executive compensation, need to give attention to essential employment terms in these fast growing and changing industries.
​My article indicates how in these negotiations, the executive should seek key executive employment terms in the following important areas:
  • Signing bonus to at least make you whole for anything you are giving up,
  • Performance targets geared to your type and stage of life science company and its exit goals,
  • Equity in scope and form matched to your position, stage of company and potential tax issues
  • Relocation and other expenses (e.g. maintaining your M.D. license) again to keep you whole when you change companies.
The article also discusses executive severance terms and triggers for your protection in case changes necessitate you to change companies in the future.
To see my full article, go to LINK: https://ivyexec.com/career-advice/2024/executive-contract-negotiations-for-life-sciences-executives
or my website, go to LINK: https://www.executiveemploymentattorney.com/executive-contract-negotiations-for-life-sciences-executives/

IvyExec hosts articles and webinars from experts in the career, leadership, and business spaces who wish to share their knowledge with our audience. In April 2021, I was invited to write for IvyExec since it seeks original content on the topics of career development, leadership, and business strategy as it applies to senior-level and C-Suite professionals. IvyExec blog posts and webinars are shared with its community of more than 2 million members on its website, in its newsletter, and on its social media channels. https://www.ivyexec.com/career-advice/write-for-us/
IvyExec claims a “Community of 2.5M+ Leaders”. See also — https://www.ivyexec.com/

It is my hope that this article will be helpful to CEOs and other senior executives in the medical device, biotechnology or other life science industries who are negotiating new executive job offers, employment contracts or executive compensation packages and should pay attention to the essential contract terms discussed in my article.
​
If you or any colleague of yours has a need in this area, please do reach out to me at [email protected] or call 617–875–8665.
0 Comments

Keeping and Using Your Ace in the Hole in Negotiating Your C-level Executive Contract

12/19/2024

0 Comments

 
On Friday August 30, 2024, CEOWORLD magazine published an article I wrote titled, “Keeping and Using Your Ace in the Hole in Negotiating Your C-level Executive Contract.”
​
The new article is designed for CEOs, C-level and senior executives and those executives  who aspire to the C-suite.  This article discusses how, based on my experience representing C-suite executives, that by holding back a little – keeping an ace in the hole, as they say – you will create a sense of anticipation, increase your value in the eyes of the company, and ultimately enhance chances of achieving your desired executive contract terms.
CEO job offer negotiations
The article goes on to discuss how we’ve applied this strategy of ascertaining and then using this “Ace in the Whole” strategy in three different types of executing contracting situations –
  • Job Offer / Employment Agreement  – For example, you might outline a new approach to optimizing operational efficiency or a plan to expand into new markets. However, make it clear that these strategies are just the beginning. Let the company know that you have other strategies and ideas in your pocket, that could be deployed for the benefit of the company, if you are hired and take the position.
  • Termination / Separation Agreement – in severance negotiations, part of your leverage would come from release potential claims, but other leverage may come from your knowledge, experience and contacts, and your potential use to the company in post-termination paid transition services and consulting. Here you might suggest three particular assignments for yourself that address particular gaps created by your separation…. But again not telling, even suggesting you envision several other impactful assignments, not to be discussed unless and until the company commits to reasonable severance terms.   
  • Independent Consulting / Consulting between positions –  In this further application of the “Ace in the Hole” strategy, you may hold back on consulting for others and particular needs and requests, until after you’ve established yourself with the company with whom you’ve started consulting, and you could also hold off on moving to a fulltime C-level position (if offered) until the company reaches terms you seek.
I am a fan of Country Music.  So, both this executive contract strategy and the impetus to write this article drew inspiration from the great song by the Country Music singer, the legendary George Strait and  his song ,  “Ace in the Hole”.  The lyrics –
You’ve got to have an ace in the hole
A little secret that nobody knows
Life is a gamble, a game we all play
But you need to save something for a rainy day
You’ve got to learn to play your cards right
If you expect to win in life
Don’t put it all on the line for just one roll
You’ve got to have an ace in the hole
If you’re headed down a one way street
And you’re not sure it’s the way you wanna go
In money or love or all the above
Have a little more than what you show
When life deals out a surprise
Have a few surprises of your own
No matter what you do, no matter where you go
You’ve got to have an ace in the hole
Source for lyrics:  https://genius.com/George-strait-ace-in-the-hole-lyrics 
Video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK854RfHFAc
To see my full CEOWORLD magazine. article, go to LINK: https://ceoworld.biz/2024/08/30/keeping-and-using-your-ace-in-the-hole-in-negotiating-your-c-level-executive-contract/
Or on my website at  https://www.executiveemploymentattorney.com/keeping-and-using-your-ace-in-the-hole-in-negotiating-your-c-level-executive-contract/
This was my 47th  article published in CEOWORLD since 2016.  Previously, the editor advised that I can use “Featured in the CEOWORLD magazine” and the CEOWORLD “Logo” on my website and add CEOWORLD magazine in my LinkedIn profile’s “Experience Section” as an “Opinion Columnist.” and authority in the field.  

On its own initiative, CEOWORLD magazine created on their website a library of Robert Adelson published articles.   You can peruse this library and/or read as many of my 44 published articles as you wish.  See https://ceoworld.biz/author/robert-adelson/
With more than 12.4+ million-page views, CEOWORLD magazine is the world’s leading business magazine written strictly for CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, senior management executives, business leaders, and high net worth individuals worldwide. https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceomagazine/
It is my hope this new article will be beneficial to CEOs, C-level executives, VPs and other senior executives and those aspire to C-suite positions to use this “Ace-in-the-Hole” strategy in your own negotiations over important executive contracts in the course of your career.

If you or any colleague of yours has a need in this area, please do reach out to me –  [email protected] or call 617-875-8665.
0 Comments

November 2024 Executive Employment Law Newsletter

11/8/2024

0 Comments

 
I hope this email finds you and your family in good health.  We are now well into Autumn.  Despite some days of Indian Summer, there is now an increasing chill to our days, with Thanksgiving not too far off at the end of this month. The Patriots are are mired in another losing season, but there is some hope –  rookie QB Drake Maye has shown promise that better days are to come if he can gain a more accomplished supporting cast in years ahead,  On a more promising side, the NBA Defending Champion Celtics are off to a strong start – perhaps a repeat is possible?   Much less so the Bruins.  Playing .500 hockey right now, but perhaps as the season unfolds the B’s will find their mojo to also qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
  
As for Newsletter items, three weeks ago, CEOWORLD magazine published my article on negotiating the terms of your executive employment contract as a Chief Strategy Officer,  Chief Growth Officer or Chief Transformation Officer, with an article link provided in item #1.  A link to an earlier article of mine, on Wrongful Termination – Rights, Remedies and Severance, published in IVY EXEC career advancement website, appears in items #3.  Additionally, a link to another earlier article of mine, on negotiation of executive equity compensation in Severance Negotiations, appears in item #4, plus a special offer included as item #5. I hope some of these items might be of benefit… and my best wishes to all for the rest of November!

1.       Employment Contract Terms for Chief Strategy Officer,  CGO or Chief Transformation Officer
If you have a new job offer or employment contract as a Chief Strategy Officer,  Chief Growth Officer or Chief Transformation Officer, my new article published three weeks ago by CEOWorld magazine  advises on terms for authority, interface and support for your position, protection of your own ideas and inventions, compensation, equity and other essential terms to negotiate.  Read the Article Here
2.       Work with CEOs, C-Suite and Senior Executives, exclusively.
Robert Adelson is an attorney specialized in the representation of CEOs, C-level and senior executives. Learn about Robert Adelson’s work with CEOs, C-level and senior executives to advise on and improve job offers, employment contracts, stock, RSUs, options, bonuses and other executive compensation matters, plus advice and aid on issues of wrongful termination, severance, exit terms, retention, change of control, other executive issues and more … More Details Here
3.       Wrongful Termination – Rights, Remedies and Severance   
Are you an executive recently terminated?  Or facing employment termination? Learn what constitutes wrongful termination, your rights, remedies, tips and key terms in negotiating severance… Those topics and more, are discussed in my article published in May 2022 by Ivy Exec, the executive career counseling website.   Read the Article Here
4.       Executive Equity Compensation in Severance Negotiations
As a C-Level or senior executive, is your equity position an important part of your compensation package?  In my article published by CEOWorld, in October 2019, and still relevant today, I advise on safeguards for your equity in the event of employment termination, including using leverage in severance negotiations for vesting acceleration and other key equity terms. Read the Article Here
5.      11/2024 Offer:  Good until Dec. 3rd  
This 3-week value-packed offer, is as a way to get introduced to my law work: an  Executive Employment Separation Law Diagnostic –– this offer is good through 12/3/24.  More Details Here
​

It’s always a pleasure to get back in touch with you and other clients, friends, and colleagues.  I hope the links and information provided will be useful to you and that there will be an opportunity for me to work with you on legal matters in the near future. ​

Let’s keep in touch! 
Best regards,
Rob
Robert Adelson

*Adelson & Associates, LLC
Executive Employment Attorney
101 Federal Street, 19th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 204-5601 Law Firm
(617) 204-5602 Direct
(617) 204-5604 Fax
E-mail :  [email protected]
Blog:  https://robadelson.wordpress.com/
Twitter:  @AttorneyAdelson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-adelson-b8a1557/
Website: www.executiveemploymentattorney.com
Note on Adelson & Associates, LLC:
*As mentioned in bullet no. 2 of the January 2020 Business Law Newsletter, Robert A. Adelson is now the Principal of Adelson & Associates, LLC.  For fifteen (15) years, from October 2004 through December 2019, Robert Adelson practiced law and referred legal work to associates of his, trusted and experienced colleagues, as a partner of Engel & Schultz, LLP.  In December 2019, the lead partners of the firm announced they would go into semi-retirement, go their separate ways, and the office lease would expire in January 2020.  In response, Robert Adelson formed Adelson & Associates, LLC in December 2019 and commenced the new firm’s operations on January 1, 2020, with the new firm taking over, on that date and going forward, all current Robert Adelson clients, matters and operations, as well as all referral of legal work to associates of Robert Adelson.  The new firm’s offices, at 101 Federal Street, 19th Floor, are across the street from the prior offices at One Federal Street, 21st Floor, in Boston’s Financial District.
0 Comments

COO Employment Contract and Compensation — Terms and Negotiations

7/19/2024

0 Comments

 
On Monday July 1, 2024, the executive career advancement website IvyExec published an article I wrote, “COO Contract and Compensation Package — Terms and Negotiations.”

​This article was designed for senior executives, who have been offered, are seeking or are now considering taking the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). As COO, you are normally hired to oversee all areas of company operations, including production, marketing and sales, and research and development. My article also recognizes that a COO can also be hired for further specific missions including any of the following:
  • To fill a specific need in an operational area or line of business, e.g. to turnaround a failing operation,
  • To expand company operations into a new market,
  • To fill a gap in the CEO’s knowledge, expertise, skills, management style or experience, and thus complement the CEO,
  • To meet the company need for succession planning when the CEO is about to retire where the Board wants to hire a COO to prepare him or her to be the successor CEO,
  • Conversely, to hire the COO to mentor a first-time founder-CEO where the COO would likely be an industry veteran with wisdom and a business relationship network who can develop both the CEO and assist the scale up of the company to the next level or to achieve a liquidity event, or
  • To hire the COO to mentor an inexperienced family-member CEO to aid that family member to grow into the job and responsibilities expected of him or her.
COO at work
My article discusses delineation of your duties, responsibilities, authority and reporting and including in those special circumstances listed above. My article also offers suggestions for your COO offer letter or employment contract to include key executive employment terms on which you rely to take the job.


My article next discusses what to seek in getting the right COO Executive Compensation Package, and concludes with a discussion of severance rights to enable you to protect the terms of your bargain reached with the company.


To see my full article, go to LINK: https://ivyexec.com/career-advice/2024/coo-contract-and-compensation-package-terms-and-negotiations
or my website, go to LINK: https://www.executiveemploymentattorney.com/coo-contract-and-compensation-package-terms-and-negotiations/


IvyExec hosts articles and webinars from experts in the career, leadership, and business spaces who wish to share their knowledge with our audience. In April 2021, I was invited to write for IvyExec since it seeks original content on the topics of career development, leadership, and business strategy as it applies to senior-level and C-Suite professionals. IvyExec blog posts and webinars are shared with its community of more than 2 million members on its website, in its newsletter, and on its social media channels. https://www.ivyexec.com/career-advice/write-for-us/
IvyExec claims a “Community of 2.5M+ Leaders”. See also — https://www.ivyexec.com/

​It is my hope this article will be helpful to senior executives who are seeking, considering or reviewing an offer to take a Chief Operating Officer position with your current company or a new company. If you or any colleague of yours has a need in this area, please do reach out to me at [email protected] or call me @ 617–875–8665.
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017

    Categories

    All
    Benefit Corporations
    Biotech Executive
    Biotechnology Executives
    Board Of Directors
    Career Advancement Covenants
    Career Prospects
    CEO Bonus Compensation
    CEO Compensation
    CEO Compensation Package
    CEO Contract
    Ceo Contract Terms
    Ceo Employment Agreement
    CEO Employment Contract
    CEO Equity Compensation
    Ceo Job Offer
    CEO Job Offer Letter
    Certified B Corps
    CFO Compensation Package
    CFO Contract
    CFO Employment Agreement
    CFO Employment Contract
    CFO Job Offer Letter
    CFO Severance Agreement
    Change Of Control
    Change Of Control Agreements
    CIO
    Clawbacks
    C-level Equity Compensation
    C Level Executive Pay
    C-level Executive Pay
    CMO Employment Agreement
    CMO Employment Contract
    Companies
    Competition
    Contractors
    COO
    COO Compensation
    Coo Compensation Package
    COO Employment Agreement
    COO Employment Contract
    COVID-19
    CSO
    Cso Compensation
    CSO Compensation Package
    CSO Contract
    CSO Employment Agreement
    CSO Employment Contract
    CSO Severance Agreement
    C-suite Executive Compensation
    CTO Compensation Package
    CTO Contract
    CTO Employment Agreement
    CTO Employment Contract
    CTO Severance Agreement
    Defamation
    Disparagement
    Employees
    Employment Contract
    Employment Discrimination
    Equity Compensation
    Executive Bonus
    Executive Bonuses
    Executive Career
    Executive Career Advancement
    Executive Careers
    Executive Compensation
    Executive Compensation Attorney
    Executive Compensation Negotiation
    Executive Compensation Package
    Executive Consulting
    Executive Contract
    Executive Contract Negotiation
    Executive Contract Terms
    Executive Employment
    Executive Employment Agreement
    Executive Employment Agreement Lawyer
    Executive Employment Contract
    Executive Employment Lawyer
    Executive Employment Terms
    Executive Equity
    Executive Equity Compensation
    Executive Job Offer
    Executive Job Offer Letter
    Executivepay
    Executive Pay
    Executive Performance Compensation
    Executive Relocation Package
    Executive Retention Agreement
    Executives
    Executive Salary
    Executive Separation
    Executive Severance Agreement
    Executive Severance Lawyer
    Executive Severance Package
    Executive Severance Terms
    Executive Stock Compensation
    Executive Stock Options
    Executive Termination
    Family Businesses
    Female Executives
    Founder CEO
    Founders
    Incentive Stock Options
    Interim CEO
    IRC Section 1202
    Market Niche
    Massachusetts Employment Law
    Massachusetts Non Compete Agreement
    Massachusetts Non-compete Agreement
    Medical Devices
    Mutual Nondisparagement
    Negotiations
    Non Compete Agreement
    Non-compete Agreement
    Non Compete Agreement Attorney
    Non-compete Agreement Attorney
    Non-disparagement
    No Rehire Clause
    Phantom Stock
    Promissory Estoppel
    Remote CEO
    Remote Executive
    Remote Work
    Restricted Stock
    Restricted Stock Units
    Restrictive Covenants
    Retention Agreement
    Retention Bonus
    RSU
    RSUs
    Section 83(b)
    Senior Executives
    Severance Triggers
    Social Entrepreneurship
    Startup
    Startup CEO
    Startup Equity
    Startup Funding
    Stock Options
    Taxation
    Termination For Cause
    Toxic Executives
    Turnaround CEO
    Women Executives
    Womeo CEOs
    Wrongful Termination

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Blog
  • About