Betsy Luxenberg helps companies design tax-compliant and tax-efficient employee benefits and executive compensation programs that protect their most valuable asset—their people. With a master's degree in organizational management and years of transactional experience, she brings a business-minded perspective to solving problems at the intersection of tax law and workforce management, particularly in the context of mergers and acquisitions.
Betsy represents private equity-backed companies and public corporations across industries, advising on executive employment agreements, equity compensation arrangements, nonqualified deferred compensation, qualified retirement plans, and health and welfare plans arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Her clients range from emerging growth companies to established enterprises navigating complex corporate transactions.
Known for translating intricate tax issues into practical, actionable solutions, Betsy counsels clients on compliance matters, merger integrations, employment and severance agreements, retention arrangements, long-term and short-term incentive compensation plans and change-in-control programs. She also analyzes benefit plans and compensation arrangements for hidden liabilities, addressing issues relating to sections 409A and 280G of the IRC with precision and foresight.
Her high volume of deal-related work keeps her ahead of marketplace trends. Betsy has seen firsthand how issues are resolved across hundreds of transactions, including representations and warranties insurance matters, giving her a valuable, real-world perspective. She also advises on SEC rules governing executive compensation disclosure and related corporate governance matters.
Before joining Sheppard, Betsy spent more than five years at another international law firm handling employee benefits and executive compensation matters. Outside the office, she enjoys attending stand-up comedy shows and chasing her daughter and her mini cockapoo around the house.