About Alex
Alex Freund: Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Legal Counsel
Alex Freund provides expert legal guidance to public and private companies, as well as executives, navigating the complex landscape of executive compensation and employee benefits. With a deep understanding of ERISA law and a focus on strategic solutions, Alex helps clients optimize their compensation programs, manage risk, and ensure compliance across a range of critical areas. Alex’s expertise is particularly valuable in high-stakes situations involving mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, and public filings, providing invaluable legal counsel throughout the entire process.
As an Associate in Barack Ferrazzano’s Compensation & Benefits Group, Alex’s practice centers around the design, negotiation, and implementation of executive incentive arrangements. He specializes in crafting innovative and effective incentive plans tailored to individual executive goals and company objectives. Furthermore, Alex skillfully negotiates executive employment, transition, and separation agreements, safeguarding client interests and minimizing potential disputes. His proactive approach extends to advising clients on the intricate details of executive compensation and employee benefit aspects of critical public filings – including annual proxy statements and Form 8-K disclosures – ensuring full adherence to regulatory requirements and protecting shareholder value.
Alex’s experience spans a wide array of corporate transactions, demonstrating his versatility and ability to seamlessly integrate compensation and benefits considerations into complex deal structures. He provides essential legal support during mergers and acquisitions, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth transitions and protect the interests of all stakeholders. Moreover, Alex’s deep understanding of venture capital investments makes him a trusted advisor for companies seeking to attract top talent with competitive compensation packages. He assists with structuring equity grants, negotiating employment agreements, and navigating the unique compensation challenges associated with early-stage companies.
Prior to joining Barack Ferrazzano, Alex honed his skills as an Executive Compensation Associate at Kirkland & Ellis, where he gained significant experience in advising on a diverse portfolio of executive compensation matters. This experience has equipped him with a keen eye for detail, a strategic mindset, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for his clients.
Key Practice Areas:
- Executive Compensation Design & Negotiation: Alex expertly designs and negotiates executive incentive plans, stock options, restricted stock units, and other compensation arrangements, aligning executive rewards with company performance.
- Employee Benefits (ERISA Law): He provides comprehensive advice on compliance with ERISA regulations, including 401(k) plans, pension plans, and other employee benefit programs.
- Public Filings & Disclosure: Alex assists clients with preparing and filing proxy statements and Form 8-K disclosures, ensuring compliance with SEC regulations and providing transparency to shareholders.
- Mergers & Acquisitions: He strategically integrates compensation and benefits considerations into M&A transactions, minimizing disruption and protecting stakeholder value.
- Venture Capital Investments: Alex advises companies on structuring equity grants and negotiating employment agreements for venture-backed startups.
- Employment Agreements & Separation Agreements: Alex negotiates and drafts executive employment and separation agreements, protecting client interests and mitigating potential legal risks.
Education & Credentials:
Alex is a dedicated and results-oriented attorney committed to providing his clients with the legal expertise and strategic guidance they need to succeed. He consistently seeks to stay ahead of the curve on compensation and benefits trends and regulations, ensuring that his clients receive the most up-to-date and effective legal advice. His commitment to excellence and client satisfaction has established him as a trusted advisor for companies and executives across a wide range of industries. Recognized in **One's to Watch since 2026** for his expertise in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Alex is dedicated to providing innovative and strategic solutions to complex compensation and benefits challenges.
Awards & Affiliations:
Recognized: **One's to Watch** in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
City & State: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Bar Admissions: (Information Redacted – Further details to be provided)
