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Wednesday, July 9, 2025

What is the Value in Hiring the Right Executive Employment Lawyer?

 


July 2025 Edition

We are now into summer. Hopefully, you and your family will be enjoying July 4th / Independence Day holiday this weekend and perhaps that might even continue with a further family vacation. Whether cookouts, picnics, clambakes, time at the beach and seashore, or the lakes, swimming, sailing, biking, walking, hiking or out at the golf links or taking in a ballgame at Fenway Park, I hope you and yours are enjoying summer fun.

For me, I am back in the office after a West of Ireland music vacation in June. The two week trip was led by the folk duo Four Shillings Short https://4shillingsshort.com/ poetry, traditional Irish music, amazing sites, culture, cuisine, with wonderful traveling companions from across the US as we journeyed to Ennis, Dingle Town, Sligo and Clifden in the Connemara of County Galway. There was some singing as well. Though I am certainly no Liam Clancy or Tommy Makem (my idols), it was great fun for me to do vocals on several of their Irish ballads I knew, at pubs and other venues along the way. And a bonus: We had a night of watching Hurling, the national sports passion of all Ireland, at Gracie’s Bar, Sligo. And what a night it was! We witnessed underdog team of County Cork topple the perennial titans Limerick, in a positive thriller. More on that event in Newsletter item #2. Though I’m now back at work in Boston, as you can tell, my head is still a bit on Emerald Isle.

Sadly, before I left for vacation, the Boston Celtics went down to defeat in the second round against the Knicks and we can only hope that Jason Tatum heals and perhaps a new credible challenge might be mounted next year at TD Garden for NBA championship #19. I was back to see the Red Sox trade Rafi Devers in a classic salary dump, so here’s hoping the money saved will be used by Kennedy / Breslow to bring in a new bat to replace Rafi’s. So, as the Sox go back and forth and Alex Cora does his best to get the Sox over .500, they are at least competitive and I love the history and excitement of attending the ballgames at Fenway and later this month will visit with good friends Polar Park for the WooSox. So, whichever sport you are watching or better still participating in, I hope you are enjoying it as well. (Also, with our Boston professional sports scene a bit of a lull right now, I hope my item #2 below will be a fun (though brief) diversion for you to unusual and quite exciting sports event, which took place “across the pond”.)

As for Newsletter items, on June 25, 2025, CEOWORLD magazine published an article I wrote on the value that hiring the right executive employment attorney can have for you as a C-level or senior executive, with the focus on the significant benefits the right attorney can help you achieve in five different and important events in the course of your executive career. Then after the fun vacation article on Hurling #2, this newsletter also has links, in items #4 and #5, to two other earlier executive career articles of mine. The first article, published in 2023 in IVYEXEC, the career advancement website, on the hurdles faced by women CEOs and senior executives, and offers strategies to you on how to succeed and keep your career on its upward trajectory. The second article published in 2024 in IVYEXEC advises the senior executive who is being forced out of his or her position, offering strategies on how to quit your current position and still gain appropriate executive severance compensation in connection with your separation. There is also a special offer as item #6, an Executive Issues Law Diagnostic. I hope some of these items might be of benefit… and my best wishes to all for the rest of July!

1. What is the value in hiring the Right Executive Employment Attorney?

Do you have a C-level or senior executive job offer? Are you facing a change of control? Are you being forced out of your current position? … or have you already been terminated and are being asked to sign a release of claims? Perhaps you are reluctant to seek assistance because you have already had bad experiences with attorneys. So you might reasonably ask — what is the value of hiring an executive employment attorney, even if I somehow got the right one? My new article, published a week ago in CEOWORLD magazine, shows how hiring the right executive employment lawyer can pay off for you …often immediately ..often dramatically. The article first discusses the things that you, as CEO, C-level or senior executive ought to look for to find that right attorney. Then in the “show and tell” part of the article, I walk you through five different areas of executive representation, covering different kinds of events, each event quite significant, that you are likely to face in the course of your executive career where such dramatic results are often achieved for the executive who has chosen carefully and obtained the right legal representation for this important work. Read the article here

2. Hurling Championship “for the ages” (my Γ‰ire vacation highlight)

Three weeks ago, on June 7, I led a group of ten to Gracie’s Bar, the top sports bar in Sligo town, Ireland, to watch on the “telly” County Cork vs. County Limerick in the Munster Hurling finals. In this #2 newsletter item, I share my recent Facebook post: a fun highlight from my vacation that perhaps you too might enjoy as a wee bit of light summer / beach reading (especially where the Boston Globe sports page is a bit dull right now). To start — Hurling? What the heck is Hurling? Just the absolute national passion of all Ireland. The game played for more than 1,000 years in Ireland, with the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship, organized by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the highest-tier competition for inter-county hurling in Ireland, contested in every year except one since 1887. That is, it predates the NFL, NHL, NBA. So that among major US sports only Baseball’s National League founded in 1876 is older (the AL founded in 1901). The game is a mixture of the best parts of lacrosse, baseball, rugby, played on a “pitch” much larger than a football or soccer field (145–160 yards). Unlike soccer or hockey, where shots on net count nothing, in hurling, it’s 3 points, for hitting the ball past the goalie into the net, but 1 point if you can hit the hurling ball between the high uprights above goalie and net.. So, using their sticks as baseball bats if a player can get free of the rugby-type scrum, he can score from 80 yards or more out if he can hit it through the uprights. Our match was a positive nail-biter: teams were “level”, that is tied, seventeen (17) times in regulation; score tied 25–25 after regulation; tied again 33–33 after the 10-minute overtime; then Cork wins 3–2 on shots from the penalty area. This was the first time ever a Munster finals was decided on penalty shots. And of course, all eleven of our group rooted passionately for the underdog Red Rebels of Cork. 😊 Of Cork’s 33 points before penalties, 30 were single points with shots, both near and far, through the uprights. Cork only got one 3-pointer, scored past the goalie into the net. So, we cheered all 31 times Cork scored, as did most at Gracie’s. My Facebook post (with many photos) mentions our group, learning rules and scoring, as we went through the night, plus a link to a 6-minute segment from CBS’s “60 Minutes” on “Ireland’s National Obsession with Hurling”, with more links to see game highlights, and several “clippings” from the IRISH TIMES and other papers, raving about this epic match. Enjoy! 😊 Read the Article Here

3. 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

4. Essential Employment Terms for Female Executives

My article published in 2023 by IVYEXEC career advancement website explores the hurdles faced by women CEOs and senior executives in hiring, change of control, harassment and termination situations, strategies to succeed and keep your career on its upward trajectory. Read the Article Here

5. Getting Executive Severance when you Choose to Quit

Are you thinking of quitting your current executive position, but don’t want to leave empty-handed? My article published in February 2024 by IVYEXEC career advancement website, speaks to senior executives who, for reasons beyond their control, want to quit your current position and then strategies how to still seek appropriate executive severance compensation in connection with your separation. Read the Article Here

6. 7/2025 Offer: Good until July 31st

This 4-week value-packed offer, is as a way to get introduced to my law work: : an Executive Issues Law Diagnostic — this offer is good through 7/31/25. Read Details Here

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.


ROBERT A. ADELSON, ESQ.
Executive Employment Attorney
Adelson & Associates, LLC
101 Federal Street, 19th Floor, Boston, MA 02110
(617) 204–5601 Law Firm
(617) 204–5602 Direct
(617) 204–5604 Fax
Email: rob@attorneyadelson.com
Website: www.executiveemploymentattorney.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-adelson-b8a1557/
Blog: https://robadelson.wordpress.com/
X: @AttorneyAdelson

Robert A. Adelson is 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. Since 1/1/2020, the firm’s offices have been and remain at 101 Federal Street, 19th Floor, across the street from the pre-2020 offices at One Federal Street, 21st Floor, in Boston’s Financial District.

Sunday, June 8, 2025

June 2025 Executive Employment Law Newsletter



I hope this email finds you and your family in good health.  We are now beginning June, we’ve had some nice weather and hopefully this run of nice weather will continue, ideal for biking, hiking, boating, golf, picnics and enjoying the out of doors, and perhaps some swimming too in the lakes and by month end perhaps the ocean too.  As for New England spectator sports, perhaps the less said the better.  Our winter sports teams have long since finished: the Bruins did not make the playoffs;  our defending NBA Champion Celtics dashed our hopes as the team crashed and burned losing to the Knicks in 6 games in the second round.  To make things even worse, star Jason Tatum suffered serious injury and we can only wish him well and a recovery such that at some future date he might again step on the parquet and resume what has been an exceptional career.  As for our main remaining pro team still standing, the Red Sox are in a bit of a funk.  I attended one game, rescheduled the next day after a rainout, where the Sox scored 19 runs (“Mercy!” I can almost hear those immortal words in my ear from Old Sox radio announcer  Ned Martin).  Yet, so many other games when the Sox get some decent pitching from Crochet or others, they just cannot summon the timely hitting.  Hopefully, Alex Cora will get everyone on the same page and things will improve as the season continues on.

As for Newsletter items, this past week,  there has been a delay with my latest article so I am reposting an article of mine that  CEOWORLD published in 2023 for CEOs, C-level and senior executives on acceleration terms in a change of control event.  A link is offered to my article where I argue for immediate acceleration on the closing of the success event and against delay from a “Double Trigger” with my argument  drawing on 19th century US history analogies.  (Hint:  I’m on the side of Abraham Lincoln in the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates).  As a bonus, I include  a further link to the article’s sequel also published in CEOWORLD arguing for the single trigger in public companies. 

This newsletter also has links, in items #3 and #4, to two other earlier articles of mine.  The first article, published in 2023 in IVYEXEC, the career advancement website, advises on negotiation strategies and terms to seek in C-level and senior executive severance negotiations. The second article,  published in CEOWORLD magazine back in 2020 but still relevant, offers pointers to first time CEOs and those new to C-level executive employment negotiations, including key terms to seek in your negotiations. There is also a special offer as item #5, an Executive Employment Separation Law Diagnostic.  I hope some of these items might be of benefit… and my best wishes to all for the rest of June!

1.   Fighting the CofC “Double Trigger” as Free Labor vs Slavery

Are you being hired, or are you now working as a CEO or C-level executive to lead or help lead your company to a liquidity Change of Control success event?  Your job offer likely provides for acceleration or some bonus compensation if you succeed, but what about the actual triggers for your payout?  My article published  in CEOWORLD magazine in 2023 argues for a single trigger of your acceleration on closing and against the Double Trigger that sets more conditions and various risks and potential problems for you. Read the Article Here  After challenge from a company attorney, I demonstrated use of the single trigger for C-level executives in public companies (and got my public company CEO client the single trigger), as set out in my sequel to this article CEOWORLD magazine in 2024, for single trigger executive acceleration in public companies. 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.      Severance Compensation Packages for Executives

Whether you have just received a job offer, have a chance to renegotiate your current contract, or are facing a change of control or termination situation, my article published in January 2023 by the IvyExec career advancement website may benefit you, as I discuss key payment, equity, benefits, non-disparagement and other terms to negotiate in your severance package and also timing, and how to deal with what your employer may ask of you.    Read the Article Here

4.       Negotiating your first C-Level Executive Employment Agreement

Are you a newly-minted CEO or another C-level executive?  Did you receive your first C-level job offer or employment agreement? My article published in CEOWORLD Magazine back in 2020 remains relevant and may benefit you, as I discuss why the agreement is important to the company and to you, and key terms – equity, bonus structure, severance among them – on which to focus in your negotiations.  Read the Article Here

5.     6/2025 Offer:  Good until June 30th  

This 4-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 6/30/25.  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

Robert Adelson, Esq.

*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 :  rob@attorneyadelson.com
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:
* Robert A. Adelson is 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.  Since 1/1/2020, the firm’s offices have been and remain at 101 Federal Street, 19th Floor, across the street from the pre-2020 offices at One Federal Street, 21st Floor, in Boston’s Financial District.

This post was originally published in https://robadelson.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/june-2025-executive-employment-law-newsletter/

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

May 2025 Executive Employment Law Newsletter



I hope this email finds you and your family in good health.  We are now into May and after April showers, we are still seeing some showers and chilly days but also now seeing the flowers sprout and many more warm days, with ever later sunsets. Still too early for the beach, but great for biking, hiking, boating, golf, picnics and enjoying the out of doors. 

This has also been a good time for Boston’ s professional sports scene.  Using the no. 4 pick in the NFL draft, the Patriots under new head coach Mike Vrabel appear to have drafted some quality players that hopefully in the next season will move them closer to a return to the  NFL playoffs and again contending for the Super Bowl.  And the Celtics our remaining winter sports team still playing, passed their first test vs. the Magic and gained some needed rest for their next round challenge with the NY Knicks.  I can’t remember that last time it was Boston vs NYC in the basketball playoffs – should be a dandy with Tatum, Brown and rest of our C’s hopefully prevailing and continuing on their road to a return to the NBA Finals and a shot at Banner #19.   And then finally, there are the recovering Boston Red Sox.  Despite recent bullpen collapses losses, the club remains over .500, with strong contributions by the four newcomers – 3B Bregman, 2B Campbell and pitchers Crochet and Buehler. The Sox schedule opened easy and hopefully the Crimson Hose can meet the challenge as the schedule gets harder in May and beyond.  “Keep your Sox on!” *grinz*

As for Newsletter items, this past week, on May 1, CEOWORLD magazine published my article for CEOs, C-level and senior executives, who have faced or may face an “Executive Bait & Switch.” That happens  where the executive is intensely recruited for critical company needs, the executive delivers on all or most of what the company seeks, and then, is promptly fired when no longer needed as much.  The article suggests the Unjust Enrichment claim with its powerful disgorgement remedy, as means for you to fight back against this pernicious employer practice, that, sadly, I see occurring all too against my C-level executive clients.

Newsletter Item #2, is also a recent item, primarily the text of a short oration I delivered on May 3, that featured a tale of, and tribute to, journalistic integrity as part of the 55th anniversary of my college paper, The Daily Free Press, the independent student newspaper at Boston University.  This newsletter also has links, in items #4 and #5, to two other earlier articles of mine, the first on the merits of RSUs vs stock options as a structure for executive equity, the second on negotiations over CMO – Chief Marketing Officer employment offers and contracts, both published in recent years by IVYEXEC, the career advancement website. There is also a special offer as item #6.  I hope some of these items might be of benefit… and my best wishes to all for the rest of May! πŸ˜Š

1.       Using Unjust Enrichment Claim to Fight Back Executive Bait & Switch

Have you been a victim of, or do you fear you may become the victim of, an Executive Bait & Switch?  That is, were you, as a CEO or C-level executive, recruited hard because of the company’s special needs you could fulfill, with the bait for you to join, being important promises to you, most often equity or a profits share, only to be arbitrarily terminated after delivering all or most of what the new company wanted and well short of the promises made to you?  My article, published five days ago in CEOWORLD magazine, offers hope.  My article discusses the Unjust Enrichment claim and the highly potent disgorgement remedy to aid you to fight back against the employer, to attain all or most of (and potentially much more than)  what you were promised and was denied after to you, after you “delivered the goods” for the company.   Read the Article Here

2. DFP 55- Celebrating Independent Student Journalism  

“My story stems from an article I wrote as a FreeP assistant editor two years from the founding, in April 1972.  It was a story that almost killed the Daily Free Press in just our 2nd year of existence.” This was part of my 5-minute oration, three nights ago on May 3,  during the 55th anniversary reception for alums of my college newspaper, The Daily Free Press, the independent student newspaper at Boston University.  In this Newsletter post, I share the text of my oration, which was a tale of, and tribute to, Journalistic Integrity, plus further comments cut due to the evening’s speaking time constraint and other comments relevant to my role as a Board Member of the Massachusetts non-profit corporation that publishes this daily student newspaper. More Details Here

3.       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

4.         Merits of RSUs vs Stock Options in Your Compensation Package 

My article published in 2022, by the career advancement website Ivy Exec, describes how RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) differ from stock and options, how they are taxed differently, and important situations where  RSUs can offer significant financial advantages over stock options or restricted stock as executive equity compensation to CEOs, C-level and senior executives.   Read the Article Here

5.       Negotiating Your CMO Employment Agreement

If you have a new job offer or have or soon will receive a draft employment contract as a CMO or Chief Marketing Officer, my article published by the career advancement website Ivy Exec though dated (2021), remains relevant to  advise you on special terms, authority, reliance, equity, bonus structure, severance and other essential terms to negotiate. Read the Article Here

6.      5/2025 Offer:  Good until May 30th  

This value-packed offer, is as a way to get introduced to my law work: Executive Employee Equity Law Diagnostic – this offer is good for the next 3-plus weeks through 5/30/25.   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 :  rob@attorneyadelson.com
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:
* Robert A. Adelson is 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.  Since 1/1/2020, the firm’s offices have been and remain at 101 Federal Street, 19th Floor, across the street from the pre-2020 offices at One Federal Street, 21st Floor, in Boston’s Financial District.

This post was published in https://robadelson.wordpress.com/2025/05/03/may-2025-executive-employment-law-newsletter/

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

April 2025 Executive Employment Law Newsletter



I hope this email finds you well, that you are enjoying the longer days and later sunsets that beckon the arrival of spring.  In April we will have the Boston Marathon and also “AmRev250”.  So April 19, I hope to get a good viewing spot, to view North Bridge in Concord when Concord, Acton, Bedford and other minutemen reenactors recall the seminal events of April ‘75…. 1775, when the embattled farmers stood and fired the shot heard round the world … yes, the Battle of Lexington and Concord, where it all began.  

Also in April, March Madness continues, with Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Men’s Ice Hockey now down the Finals.  

In men’s basketball, my two Division I alma maters Northwestern and Boston University did not make the tournament, and all no. 1 teams are in Final Four.  No Cinderella teams in the Finals this year. πŸ™ But best of luck to all, if your alma mater is still in contention or if you are still in the money with your brackets. 

In Men’s Hockey, a large contingent of Hockey East and Eastern teams contended, but only Boston University  survived to the Frozen Four with a thrilling 3-2 overtime win, last Saturday night, over ancient rival Cornell.  Congrats to Coach Jay Pandolfo:  he’s coached three years, and, in all three, his BU teams have gone to the Frozen Four.  I attended the Frozen Four in Tampa (2023) and St. Paul (2024) but cannot go to 2025 in St. Louis.  We lost those two times, and it is still my hope this 3rd time in a row, will be the charm – good luck Terriers! 

And in  professional sports, one of Boston’s winter teams will both soon start the playoffs.  The Bruins had a awful March (3-11) and will finish their season April 15 far from playoff contention. But the Celtics, happily, have gone in opposite direction.  With a record of 13-1 in March through March 30, we can hope the C’s stay hot as they seek to repeat as NBA champions despite stiff competition.  Despite recent losses we also start the Red Sox season with high hopes after several acquisitions in the off season.  I do look forward to attending Opening Day at Fenway this Friday, with an opening day first:  the Sox will host their frequent past World Series season opponents,  the NL’s formidable St. Louis Cardinals!

As for Newsletter items, last week, IVYEXEC career advancement website published an article of mine on using QSBS to potentially shield from taxation  up to $10 million in gains on executive and angel investor stock. 

Further into this April  Newsletter, item #3 is an older article of mine,  published in CEOWORLD magazine, reposted today, around the time of April Opening Day around the Major Leagues, offers an especially grim and powerful example of misalignment in incentive compensation.  In that case example, incentive compensation misalignment of a baseball team’s  ace starting pitcher sparked the worst episode in Major League Baseball’s almost 150-year history (since the founding of the National League in 1876).  In that infamous episode, the “Black Sox Scandal”, the American League champions, the favored Chicago White Sox, played to lose the World Series.  Star White Sox players accepted cash bribes from Boston and New York based gamblers to “fix” the 1919 World Series in favor of the underdog Cincinnati Reds.  Amid the public uproar, and the grave threat posed to the future of the sport itself, in 1920, the MLB team owners appointed the first-ever  Commissioner of Baseball.  Despite Illinois court cases and acquittals of all the accused players, that new Commissioner delivered baseball’s own verdict. Commissioner Landis ruled “8 Men Out” – the accused eight professional ballplayers were barred from baseball, each of the eight accused lost their livelihoods, thrown out of organized baseball …for life…and it all happened due to misalignment.

That 4th  Newsletter item is another older  article of mine published by IVYEXEC,  on startup C-level executive salary, equity and severance terms.

The last Newsletter item, Item #5 is a special offer on negotiation of C-level and senior executive job offers.  As always,  I hope some of these items might be of interest and  benefit… and best wishes to all for the rest of April!  😊 

1.       Achieving Zero Taxation on Sale of Your Appreciated Stock

Are you considering joining an early stage company where stock will be an important part of your compensation package?  My article published ten days ago, on March 21,  by IVYEXEC career advancement website, discusses how proper structuring of your equity grant as qualified small business stock (QSBS), may enable you to have zero Federal taxation on all or most of the appreciation on a sale of shares after 5 years, including several key techniques you might find beneficial… 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.         Protecting yourself against Executive Compensation Misalignment

Are you a C-level or a senior executive with performance compensation based on cliff vesting? Is your performance opportunity subject to discretionary actions of an owner, a Board of Directors or the investors, whose interests might at some point become averse to your own?  That situation – executive compensation misalignment – was the root cause of the biggest scandal in US sports history. Due to that misalignment, star players of the Chicago White Sox fixed the 1919 World Series. That example and others are discussed in my article published by CEOWORLD  Magazine 3/31/2021  to coincide with MLB Opening Day.  My article is reposted now to coincide with the 2025 MLB season, with opening day around the Najor Leagues last Thursday March 27.  In this CEOWORLD article, I also offer ways for you, as executive, to avoid such harmful misalignment in your own executive compensation negotiations.  Read the Article Here

4.       Startup C-Level Executive Salary, Equity and Severance

Are you a senior executive looking to move up to C-level by joining a startup? Being a startup C-level executive can be rewarding in many ways.  But taking that role has many risks too.  My article published in 2023  by the IVYEXEC career advancement website, advises on key protections to negotiate as well as other terms to seek to ensure that  if the startup succeeds, you too will share financially in that success. Read the Article Here

5.      4/2025 Offer:  Good until April 30th  

This 4-week value-packed offer, is as a way to get introduced to my law work: Executive Employment Job Offer Law Diagnostic – this offer is good through 4/30/25.   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

Robert Adelson, Esq.

*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 :  rob@attorneyadelson.com
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:
* Robert A. Adelson is 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.  Since 1/1/2020, the firm’s offices have been and remain at 101 Federal Street, 19th Floor, across the street from the pre-2020 offices at One Federal Street, 21st Floor, in Boston’s Financial District.

This post was originally published in https://robadelson.wordpress.com/2025/03/29/april-2025-executive-employment-law-newsletter/

Thursday, March 6, 2025

March 2025 Executive Employment Law Newsletter



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 :  rob@attorneyadelson.com
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.

Monday, February 10, 2025

Executive Contract Negotiations for Life Sciences Executives

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 , 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  in the following important areas:

  •  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
  •  and other expenses (e.g. maintaining your M.D. license) again to keep you whole when you change companies.

The article also discusses  for your protection in case changes necessitate you to change companies in the future.

To see my full article, go to LINK: 

or my website, go to LINK: 

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. 
IvyExec claims a “Community of 2.5M+ Leaders”. See also — 

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 , 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  or call 617–875–8665.