Stephen P.Coolbaugh (Steve)

Steve Coolbaugh is a trusted, business-focused executive compensation lawyer with more than 15 years of experience. Executive compensation continues to be in the cross-hairs of intense scrutiny from all directions, and Steve helps clients achieve their executive compensation objectives by designing, implementing, and socializing stock- and cash-based pay arrangements for directors, executives, and other participants or by helping them complete significant corporate transactions.

Steve has been on the front lines of the key compensation developments throughout his practice, including Sarbanes-Oxley, compensation disclosure reform, and the Dodd-Frank Act. He recently represented more than 125 Firm clients (including 30 Fortune 500 companies), working on more than 75 incentive plans, 20 mergers/spin-off transactions, and 110 proxy statement (or similar) disclosures. Steve also has worked on more than a dozen compensation-related litigation matters for clients. As a result, he has significant experience helping companies navigate the complex minefield of legal compliance, disclosure requirements, and stakeholder scrutiny to achieve their key executive compensation objectives.

Steve solves tough problems for clients, including by answering complex executive compensation questions in light of tax, corporate, and securities law requirements. Steve learns each client's business and needs and studies relevant regulatory and legal developments that drive changes to their executive compensation programs. In addition, he regularly advises clients on Section 16 matters and helps clients document key compensation arrangements, including new or revised stock and cash compensation plans, award agreements, employment contracts, and change in control and severance arrangements.