Overview

Stephen Jacobson is an executive compensation partner in the Houston and New York offices of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. He advises public and private companies, private equity firms and their portfolio companies on a wide range of employment, executive compensation and employee benefit matters, including in connection with mergers, acquisitions, sales, private equity investments, initial public offerings and restructurings.

Stephen regularly advises clients on structuring and implementing equity and cash-based incentive plans as well as the applicable tax, securities law, corporate governance and disclosure implications of those arrangements.

Stephen also represents clients in negotiating employment, separation and incentive agreements.

In the most recent edition of Chambers USA, he was lauded by clients as being “very knowledgeable in what is a very nuanced and complex area,” possessing “a great business mind,” being “informed on current industry trends,” providing “invaluable guidance” and being “especially formidable in M&A .” Another client cited Stephen as someone who is “very practical and can deal with sticky issues.”

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Recognition

Chambers USA, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Texas: Houston & Surrounds), 2021–2024

The Legal 500 U.S., Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation and Retirement Plans (Transactional), 2016, 2018–2021, 2023–2024

Lawdragon, “500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers,” 2022–2024

Law360, Rising Star, 2019

Certified Public Accountant, State of Texas

Memberships & Affiliations

Member, Houston Bar Association

Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • Texas
  • New York

Education

  • Tulane University Law SchoolJ.D.cum laude2007
  • Tulane University A.B. Freeman School of BusinessB.S., Accountingsumma cum laude2004