Christopher T. Collins

Christopher Collins helps clients drive growth by designing, updating and maintaining employee benefits and executive compensation programs that attract and retain top talent.

He advises employers, fiduciaries, third-party administrators and executives across industries including technology, financial services, professional services, manufacturing, health care, pharmaceutical and private equity.

Clients benefit from Chris’s deep experience with complex compliance and administration issues involving employee retirement and welfare benefit plans. These include integrating plans after mergers and acquisitions, assisting plan committees and other fiduciaries with their obligations under ERISA, and addressing day-to-day questions about plan operations. He frequently helps private equity and hedge fund managers navigate the intricate regulatory landscape of ERISA investment, advising on how prohibited transactions and fiduciary responsibilities may impact fund operations.

In executive compensation, Chris helps companies structure compensation plans (equity, phantom equity or cash bonus) to incentivize growth and long-term success. He advises on all aspects of deferred compensation and equity awards including restricted stock, RSUs, profits interests, options and SARs. Chris also works with many private companies to implement programs that support succession planning.

Whether integrating large 401(k) plans to reduce participant costs, designing tax-efficient phantom equity programs or tailoring retirement plans to account for shifting workforce demographics, Chris listens closely and collaborates with clients to reach their goals. He is adept at explaining complex, sometimes esoteric concepts clearly to help clients make informed choices.