Steven G. Schaffer
Steven G. Schaffer
Steven G. Schaffer
Biography
Steven Schaffer’s practice at BCLP is centered around transactions involving employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), where he represents a diverse range of clients, including companies, lenders, trustees, sellers, and valuation firms. His expertise extends to the design and administration of employee stock ownership plans, pension plans, profit-sharing plans, and other employee benefit plans.
ESOP Transactions and Plan Design
Steven’s extensive experience encompasses not only the structuring and implementation of ESOPs but also the intricate legal aspects of plan administration. He is adept at handling plan audits and investigations by the Department of Labor, often resolving issues through various governmental voluntary compliance programs. His role involves negotiating complex employment arrangements and equity incentives for executives, whether on behalf of employers or executives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Tax Planning
In the context of mergers and acquisitions and leveraged buyouts, Steven provides critical guidance on employee benefit and executive compensation issues. He is involved in negotiating and structuring these elements to facilitate smooth transitions and integration. His practice also includes tax planning and corporate transactions, where he offers strategic advice to optimize tax outcomes and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Thought Leadership and Education
Steven is a recognized thought leader in his field, frequently speaking on topics related to ESOPs, employee benefits, and executive compensation. His contributions to professional education and discourse reflect his commitment to advancing knowledge and best practices in these areas.
Steven Schaffer’s broad expertise and comprehensive approach to employee benefits and executive compensation make him a valuable asset to his clients, providing them with effective solutions and strategic guidance across a range of complex issues.
Civic Involvement & Honors
- The Best Lawyers in America, Employee Benefits (2007-2023)
- The Best Lawyers in America, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, "Lawyer of the Year" (2012, 2023)
- Georgia Super Lawyer (2007-Present)
- Who's Who Legal: Georgia (2007)
- PLC Cross-Border Labour & Employee Benefits Handbook
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association – General Business Section
- American Bar Association – Tax Section
- Southern Employee Benefits Conference
- State Bar of Georgia
- The ESOP Association
- National Center of Employee Ownership
Admissions
-
Georgia, 1985
-
New York, 1982
Education
New York University, LL.M., 1982
Emory University, J.D., 1981
Emory University, B.A., 1978
Related Capabilities
-
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
-
ERISA & ESOP
-
Corporate
-
Finance
-
Cross-border Employment Issues
-
Employment & Labor
-
ESOP
-
Financial Institutions
-
Investigations
-
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
-
Regulation, Compliance & Advisory
-
Plan Design & Implementation
-
Plan Administration & Fiduciary Issues
-
Welfare Plans
-
Interdisciplinary Privacy/HIPAA Practice
-
Practice Before Government Agencies
-
ERISA & Employee Benefits Litigation
-
International Pensions & Benefits Practice
-
Pensions
-
Share Plans & Incentives
-
Executive & Deferred Compensation
Resources
Publications
- Co-Author, "Employee Stock Ownership Plans: Another Tool for Family-Owned Banks," BankDirector.com, June 19, 2015
Speaking Engagements
- "How has the Economic Downturn Altered Liquidity Options for Business Owners," EASA 2020 Webinar, June 16, 2020
- “The Role of the ESOP Trustee in 2015,″ New South Chapter of the ESOP Association Fall Conference: Rolling out the Red Carpet for ESOPs, Atlanta, GA, October 22, 2015
- “Is an ESOP Right for You?” Sponsored by Benefits Trust, Bryan Cave LLP, JP Morgan Securities, and Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc., Seminar and Panel Discussion, Atlanta, GA, February 10, 2015
- “ESOPs Presentation,” Sponsored by the Florida West Coast Employee Benefits Counsel, Tampa, FL, March 20, 2014
- “ESOPs: A Benefit You Can Bank On,” Sponsored by the Community Bankers Association of Georgia, Bryan Cave LLP, and Porter Keadle Moore, LLC, Atlanta, GA, May 21, 2013
- “Update on Defined Benefit Plans,” Georgia Society of CPAs Estate and Financial Planning Section’s Financial Planning Workshop, GSCPA Training Center, Atlanta, GA, May 9, 2013
- “Come on Down! Appointing an Institutional Trustee: What are the Best Practices?” New South ESOP Conference, Orlando, FL, October 18, 2012
- “Mature ESOP Issues,” The Carolinas, Mid-Atlantic and New South Chapters of The ESOP Association Tri-Chapter Regional Conference, March 26, 2012
Related Insights
Aug 21, 2025
Sep 20, 2024
Aug 17, 2023
Aug 18, 2022
Aug 26, 2021
Aug 19, 2021
Mar 31, 2021
Oct 27, 2020
Aug 20, 2020