Ed Burmeister has more than 35 years of experience practicing in the area of equity compensation, with emphasis on global tax and legal issues. He has been recognized as a leader in his field by Chambers USA (#1 Ranking), Northern California Super Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America and Who’s Who Legal. In 2011, Mr. Burmeister was recognized as Best Lawyers' San Francisco Employee Benefits Lawyer of the Year. He is past chairman of the State Bar of California- Taxation Section, and is a member of the advisory boards of the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals and the Certified Equity Professional Institute. Mr. Burmeister is also a past Board member of the Global Equity Organization.

Practice Focus

Mr. Burmeister has worked on many precedent-setting equity programs and strategies. Throughout his career, he has assisted over 300 multinational companies in extending their equity plans to employees outside the United States.

Representative Legal Matters

• Advised a Fortune 50 multinational on implementing a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for internationally mobile employees.
• Advised and obtained an IRS tax ruling for a substantial cash repatriation to the U.S. through a recharge arrangement.
• Developed a plan design for an omnibus global ESPP plan incorporating Section 423 and non-423 components.
• Assisted a major financial institution in integrating the equity awards of a substantial acquired company.
• Structured a Section 409A solution for a company facing underwater options issued at a discount, without the expense of an SEC tender offer.
• Appeared as a witness and commented on Proposed Regulations under U.S. Code Sections 6039 and 423.

Admission

U.S. Tax Court~United States (1980)
U.S. Claims Court~United States (1980)
California~United States (1973)

Education

Stanford University  (J.D.) (1973)
Stanford University  (A.B.) (1966)