James N. Karas, Jr., joined the Firm’s Tax and Trusts & Estates Group in 2008 and is now Of Counsel.

Jim brings over 30 years of experience in employee benefits and executive compensation, with a particular emphasis on ERISA compliance and tax qualification issues.

Clients frequently rely on Jim for counseling in connection with plan drafting, implementation and termination issues, fiduciary liability, administration and operation of pension and welfare benefit plans, and employee communications.

In the area of executive compensation, Jim has advised clients regarding Code Section 409A compliance; has assisted in the implementation and operation of various equity-based deferred compensation plans, incentive programs, option plans, severance arrangements and supplemental benefit plans; and has counseled on financing techniques designed to meet employer obligations while avoiding tax pitfalls.

Jim has extensive experience in transactional issues for both public and private companies, and in numerous merger, acquisition and financing transactions has represented buyers, sellers, lenders, and borrowers.

Jim is often a featured speaker on topics related to executive compensation, fiduciary liability exposure, employee communications and other ERISA requirements.

New York

University of Virginia School of Law, Law Review; J.D., 1973

Rutgers University, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 1970

Universite de Paris, France; Certificat d'Etudes, 1968

American Bar Association

New York State Bar Association

New York County Lawyers' Association

International Foundation of Employee Benefits

WEB (Worldwide Employee Benefits Network)

French-American Chamber of Commerce