King & Spalding announced today that executive compensation and employee benefits lawyer John Kleinjan has joined the firm as a partner in its Corporate practice group. Kleinjan is based in the firm’s Atlanta office. Kleinjan joins King & Spalding from Kirkland & Ellis, where he was a partner. 

Kleinjan’s practice focuses on executive compensation and employee benefits arrangements – including their related tax, accounting, securities and corporate governance aspects – particularly as they relate to M&A deals and other corporate transactions.

“John has an impressive background handling employee benefits and executive compensation issues in the context of private equity and M&A, including for public companies,” said Keith Townsend, co-leader of the firm’s Corporate practice group. “His skill set will be key to helping our clients advance their critical transactions.”

Kleinjan received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law, cum laude, and his undergraduate degree from Florida State University.

“King & Spalding’s platform provides an excellent growth opportunity for me,” said Kleinjan. “I am eager to work with my new colleagues across the firm to help address the executive compensation and employee benefits challenges critical to the successful execution of our clients’ complex deals.”