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Bruce R. Jocz
Partner
Assistant
Michelle Newton713.223.2300 x2459
Bruce Jocz advises public and privately held corporations in the design and implementation of employee benefit programs, including qualified and non-qualified plans and executive compensation programs. Mr. Jocz structures the employee benefit aspects of corporate reorganizations, acquisitions, mergers and divestitures to comply with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and to maximize income tax benefits.
Regarding qualified plans, Mr. Jocz counsels clients in all aspects of designing qualified defined contribution and defined benefit plans, and has experience with employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). He provides daily counsel to plan administrators and trustees on distributions, filing, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, and fiduciary duties in plan administration, reorganization and termination.
Mr. Jocz designs non-qualified plans and cash- and equity-based executive compensation plans to meet the specialized needs of highly compensated and key corporate employees. He has particular experience in the tax analysis of such benefits upon a change of control. While attending law school, Mr. Jocz was employed as a tax accountant by Deloitte, Haskins & Sells. After several years of practice as a tax attorney, he joined Bracewell & Giuliani LLP as partner in charge of the firm’s employee benefits section and ERISA practice.
Representative Matters
Represents a major Houston private equity firm in all acquisitions and divestitures with respect to the employee benefits analysis.
Provides equity and cost incentive compensation plans for many Fortune 500 companies.
Provides assistance in the administration and compliance of employee benefit plans, including qualified plans.
Provides assistance to many employers in the implementation and administration of deferred compensation arrangements, including compliance with code section 409A.
Education
J.D., South Texas College of Law, 1980
B.B.A., The University of Texas at Austin, 1976
Bar Admissions
Texas
Affiliations
State Bar of Texas
Houston Bar Association
Noteworthy
US Legal 500, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, 2010, 2011
Super Lawyers, Corporate Counsel Edition, 2008
Texas Super Lawyers, 2003, 2004 and 2007
Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated™ Lawyer
