Getting pay right, particularly at executive level, has never been more complex. Companies have to balance commercial objectives with employee, shareholder and regulator expectations, and often public scrutiny.

We help clients navigate those challenges.  Ranked Tier 1 in the UK and globally, Clifford Chance advises companies around the world on executive and broader employee pay, incentive design, governance and employment tax.

Whether supporting a remuneration committee on a new remuneration policy, redesigning incentive arrangements following a strategic transaction or change in business strategy, or managing the remuneration aspects of a senior executive hire or exit, we provide clear, practical advice on issues that are often business-critical and highly sensitive.

We advise across the full spectrum of remuneration arrangements, from broad-based employee plans, LTIPs, MIPs and deferred compensation to bespoke executive incentive structures.  We also regularly support clients on transformational events including M&A, IPOs and restructurings.

Drawing on our international platform and experience across sectors and markets, we bring insight into evolving market practice, shareholder expectations and regulatory developments. Combining legal, tax and commercial insight across jurisdictions, we help clients make decisions that work in practice as well as on paper.

What we do

• Attracting and retaining talent
  We design and support remuneration, incentives and benefit arrangements that help clients recruit and retain key people. Our service is full range. It extends from the implementation of standard tax-qualifying and all-employee plans, LTIPs and deferred plans to complex, bespoke arrangements designed to fit your specific requirements. We support clients throughout the lifecycle of these arrangements, from design and implementation to ongoing operation and governance.
  
  
• Managing executive transitions
  Senior appointments and exits are often business-critical and highly sensitive. We advise on the remuneration and incentive issues that arise throughout the executive lifecycle, helping clients structure, negotiate and manage arrangements that protect their commercial interests and stand up to stakeholder scrutiny.
  
  
• Navigating global regulation and governance
  Remuneration is increasingly shaped by complex legal, tax, regulatory and governance requirements. We help clients navigate these evolving expectations, combining technical expertise with practical insight into market practice, shareholder perspectives and regulatory developments across jurisdictions.
  
  
• Delivering corporate transactions
  We support the remuneration aspects of takeovers, mergers, IPOs, capital raisings and other corporate transactions, helping clients manage complexity efficiently and with confidence.

"They are legally sharp, while remaining pragmatic in trying to find solutions and not just stating the rule of law. The team gives holistic pragmatic advice and offers creative solutions. "

Chambers Global 2026: Employee Benefits - Global: Multi-Jurisdictional