Kirkland & Ellis LLP is pleased to announce that leading executive compensation and employee benefits attorney Rob Fowler has joined the Firm’s Houston office as a partner. Mr. Fowler joins Kirkland from Baker Botts LLP.
“Rob has a great reputation and strong experience handling executive compensation and employee benefits issues across a range of matters, including in connection with mergers and acquisitions and within the energy sector,” said Jon Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s Global Management Executive Committee. “He is a great addition to our Houston office and our strong nationwide executive compensation team.”

Mr. Fowler has extensive experience negotiating and drafting executive compensation and incentive programs, including the various forms of equity compensation arrangements. He regularly advises clients on issues under Sections 409A and 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Mr. Fowler also focuses on the design and implementation of employee benefit plans, and the employee benefits aspects of transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and employee stock ownership transactions.

“Rob’s experience and complementary client base made him an easy choice as we looked for a top-flight executive compensation partner to meet demand for skills in this area,” said Andy Calder, a corporate partner in Kirkland’s Houston office and a member of the Firm’s Global Management Executive Committee. “I’m thrilled to welcome him the Houston office, where his experience in oil and gas will be particularly valuable to clients.”

Mr. Fowler holds a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. Chambers USA recognized him as a leading lawyer for employee benefits and executive compensation in 2019, and Thomson Reuters selected him as a “Texas Super Lawyer” in 2014-2015 and 2018.