Debevoise Adds New Counsel to its Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Group

2 June 2017

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP today announced that J. Michael Snypes Jr. has joined the firm as a counsel in its New York office as a member of the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Group.

Mr. Snypes advises on the compensation and benefits issues that arise in corporate transactions, both private and public. He has developed a strong understanding of the complex sector-specific issues prevalent in the healthcare, financial services and energy industries. Previously, Mr. Snypes served as a special counsel in the Executive Compensation & Benefits Group for a major international law firm, where he advised companies, boards of directors, compensation committees and executives on a full range of compensation issues.

“The compensation issues facing clients are critically important to their success, but are increasingly complex. Michael’s deep experience, knowledge and insight will prove invaluable as we continue to provide the essential guidance for clients to navigate through these intricate challenges,” said Lawrence K. Cagney, Chair of Debevoise’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Group. “As Debevoise’s healthcare practice continues to grow, Michael’s reputation as a trusted adviser on the unique challenges facing these businesses will only complement these efforts.”

“I’m excited to join Debevoise’s talented team of lawyers,” said Mr. Snypes. “Given the current state of compensation and benefits law, clients are looking for an experienced and reliable voice. I look forward to working alongside an established leadership team whose reputation for trusted compensation counsel far precedes it.”

Mr. Snypes received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was the managing editor of the Virginia Tax Review. He attended the University of North Carolina, where he earned a Master of Accounting, and a B.S. with Honors and Distinction.

About the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Group

Debevoise’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Group practices at the intersection of corporate governance, securities laws, tax, ERISA and an intricate matrix of labor and employment regimes. The Group grapples with some of the most sensitive and important issues in major corporate transactions, drawing upon resources throughout the firm to assemble multidisciplinary teams for the tasks at hand. The Group’s experience is extremely broad, ranging from addressing the human resources and liability issues that arise in M&A transactions, to advising on critical aspects of corporate governance, to designing, negotiating and implementing employment contracts and short- and long-term compensation plans and programs, to navigating and developing creative solutions for the challenging ERISA issues that permeate Debevoise’s investment funds practice.

About Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. We deliver effective solutions to our clients’ most important legal challenges, applying clear commercial judgment and a distinctively collaborative approach.