Ohio Executive Employment Lawyers

Senior leaders face employment issues that look very different from those of most employees. Compensation is spread across salary, bonus, equity and deferred pay; agreements define “cause” and “good reason”; and a single departure can decide what happens to years of earned value. Mansell Law represents executives, senior professionals and founders in Columbus, across Ohio and nationally, at every stage: when an offer arrives, when a relationship turns difficult, and when it is time to leave.

Managing Partner Greg Mansell has represented numerous executives in seven-figure severance and exit negotiations. His article “Executive Severance Negotiations in NYC” was Featured in Best Law Firms, and the firm is ranked by Chambers USA Spotlight 2027 for Labor & Employment in Columbus. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

How We Help Executives

• Executive employment contract review and negotiation: compensation, title and duties, severance multiples, change in control, definitions of cause and good reason, and dispute resolution terms
• Executive severance negotiations and severance agreement review: cash severance, bonus treatment, equity vesting and exercise windows, benefits, releases, references and transition terms
• Equity and stock agreements: stock options, RSUs, performance shares, profits interests and phantom equity
• Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements: review before signing, negotiation at exit, and advice before accepting a new role
• Executive wrongful termination and breach of contract: when a termination violates an agreement or the law
• Executive employment litigation and arbitration

Issues That Often Decide the Outcome

• Cause and good reason. Whether a departure is classified as “without cause” or a resignation “for good reason” can control severance and equity.
• Equity treatment. Plans and award agreements decide whether awards vest, forfeit or continue, and how long you have to exercise options.
• Deferred compensation and tax timing. Payments subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 409A must follow strict timing rules, and change-in-control payments can trigger Sections 280G and 4999. We work alongside your tax advisor on these issues.
• Age waivers. Executives 40 and older are entitled to specific review and revocation periods before waiving age claims under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act.
• Restrictive covenants. Ohio courts enforce non-competes only to the extent they are reasonable, weighing factors such as time, geography, the employer’s legitimate interests and the hardship to the employee, as set out in Raimonde v. Van Vlerah, 42 Ohio St.2d 21 (1975).

Our Approach

Executive matters are usually best resolved quietly. We focus on understanding your goals, quantifying what is at stake, identifying leverage, and negotiating firmly and confidentially. When an employer will not negotiate in good faith, we are prepared to litigate or arbitrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I involve a lawyer?

Ideally before you sign an offer or an agreement, and as soon as you sense a separation may be coming.

Will my employer know I hired a lawyer?

Not unless you want it to. Many executives work with us behind the scenes while handling the conversations themselves.

Do you represent executives outside Ohio?

Yes. The firm has offices in Columbus and New York City and works with executives nationally, subject to the rules of the jurisdiction involved.

Speak With an Ohio Executive Employment Lawyer

Call Mansell Law at (614) 610-4134 for a confidential consultation, or use our contact form.

Further reading: The Playbook on Executive Contracts and Severance in New York City (Best Lawyers).