Executive Employment Law

Representing executives
and senior leaders
across the United States

Every employment matter FineCounsel handles involves an executive or senior professional. That specialization means deeper expertise and stronger outcomes at the negotiating table.

J.D. · University of Florida · 1997
Florida Bar · 1997
North Carolina Bar · 2004
27+ Years of Practice
Durham, NC · finecounsel.law
Practice Areas

Executive employment services

From the moment you receive an offer letter to the day you negotiate your departure — and everything in between — FineCounsel provides senior-level counsel at every stage of your executive career.

01 ——
Severance & Separation Negotiation

When your employment ends — on your terms or theirs — we ensure your departure package reflects your contribution and fully protects your financial future.

  • Severance package negotiation
  • Equity acceleration & vesting
  • Stock option preservation
  • Non-disparagement provisions
  • Benefits & COBRA continuation
  • Reference letter negotiation
02 ——
Executive Compensation Review

Before you sign any executive agreement, we identify the provisions that will cost you most — and negotiate hard on every term that matters to your future.

  • Employment contract review
  • Equity, RSUs & stock options
  • Deferred compensation plans
  • Bonus & incentive structures
  • Change-in-control provisions
  • Golden parachute analysis
03 ——
Non-Compete & Restrictive Covenant Defense

Non-compete, non-solicitation, and NDA provisions can derail your next opportunity. We analyze enforceability and challenge these aggressively on your behalf.

  • Non-compete enforceability analysis
  • Geographic & temporal scope challenges
  • Non-solicitation limitations
  • Trade secret disputes
  • Multi-state strategy
04 ——
Wrongful Termination & Discrimination

Executives face unique vulnerabilities in termination and post-departure claims. We investigate, advise, and negotiate when your departure crosses legal lines.

  • Breach of employment contract
  • Post-departure discrimination claims
  • Retaliation & whistleblower claims
  • D&O coverage negotiation
  • Constructive discharge
05 ——
New Role & Offer Negotiation

Your next executive role deserves expert negotiation from day one — before you sign anything, while your leverage is at its highest.

  • Offer letter review & negotiation
  • Equity grant structuring
  • Severance pre-negotiation
  • Role & reporting protections
  • D&O indemnification review
06 ——
Deferred Benefits & M&A Transitions

Deferred compensation plans, pension benefits, and corporate transactions all create complex rights for executives that demand careful protection.

  • Deferred benefit plan negotiation
  • Lump sum payout analysis
  • Change-in-control rights
  • Retention & stay bonuses
  • Post-merger employment rights
Why FineCounsel

The boutique firm advantage —
senior counsel on every matter

At large employment firms, executive matters are routinely delegated to junior associates. At FineCounsel, Andrew Fine handles every matter personally — from the first call through final resolution.

Senior attention on every matter

At FineCounsel, your matter is never handed off to an associate. Every contract review, negotiation call, and strategy decision is handled by Andrew Fine directly. That is what boutique practice means in practice.

No conflicts of interest — ever

FineCounsel is exclusively executive-side — the firm never represents employers. That means negotiation strategy focused entirely on your outcome, with no divided loyalties and no risk of conflict.

Boutique firms move faster

Severance windows close. Equity lapses. FineCounsel responds to new client inquiries within 24 hours and turns around urgent agreement reviews in 48–72 hours — without large-firm overhead slowing things down.

Complete confidentiality

Attorney-client privilege attaches from our first conversation. C-suite employment matters demand the highest discretion — and that is how this practice operates, without exception.

How we work

From first call to resolution

A clear, confidential process designed for the pace and discretion that executive matters require.

01
Confidential consultation

A private call to understand your situation, timeline, and goals. No obligation. We'll tell you honestly whether we can help and what to realistically expect.

02
Agreement analysis

Every clause reviewed, leverage points identified, and a negotiation strategy developed specifically for your situation — not a generic playbook.

03
Strategic negotiation

We negotiate directly with company counsel — measured, professional, and focused entirely on maximizing your outcome while preserving important relationships.

04
Resolution & beyond

Once your matter closes, you have a trusted advisor for every agreement, board role, and career transition ahead. Many clients return at every stage of their careers.

Ready to protect what you've earned?

Executive employment matters are time-sensitive. The sooner you have counsel, the more leverage you have.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation