This is an elective course for the Certified Employee Ownership Advisor certificate program, providing attorneys with the critical knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of employee ownership transitions. By understanding the legal, financial, and strategic aspects of these transitions, attorneys offer comprehensive guidance to clients, ensuring a smooth and compliant transfer of ownership. This module covers essential topics such as structuring ownership plans, protecting estate assets, and adhering to relevant regulations, enabling estate attorneys to effectively support their clients through the transition process.
- Background and key considerations for facilitating transitions
- Overview of the key forms of broad-based employee ownership
- Strengths and challenges of various models and transition considerations
Faculty
Alexandra Devendra, Owner & Attorney, Aligned Law
Alix is the founder of Aligned Law, a Portland, Oregon-based law firm serving purpose-driven businesses. She was inspired to start the firm when she realized that innovative and heart-centered entrepreneurs need lawyers who understand the new ways of doing business. Alix has served clients in many different capacities including advising start-ups on business formation, negotiating purchases and sales, and counseling clients in conflict.
Brett Heeger, Founding Partner, Gundzik Gundzik Heeger
Brett is a corporate and securities attorney focused on community wealth building and social-impact minded businesses, and leader of a law firm operating as a worker-owned cooperative. Strong experience leveraging legal tools to support client goals: from profit and growth to impact and inclusion. Regular presenter and writer on employee ownership matters for both legal and lay audiences.
Chris Wingard, Attorney, Kleinbard
Chris is an associate in Kleinbard’s Business & Finance Practice. He advises corporations, shareholders, directors and employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) trustees on a wide variety of ESOP-related issues. He provides guidance regarding ESOP transactions, corporate governance, business succession planning, ESOP plan design and ongoing ESOP compliance.
Continuing education
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive 1.5 hours of California MCLE as well as NASBA, CFP Board and EPI CPE.
