Fenwick continued the expansion of its Boston office with the addition of executive compensation and employee benefits partner Jim Hauser.
Hauser brings extensive experience advising technology and life sciences companies, investors and executives on the full lifecycle of compensation planning. He has worked with clients at every stage of growth—from early-stage startups to mature public companies—helping them navigate key inflection points such as IPO readiness, M&A and leadership transitions.
At Fenwick, he will partner with clients to develop tailored compensation and benefits programs that address the evolving needs of innovation-driven businesses. His work will include designing and negotiating executive and equity arrangements, advising on governance and compliance matters, and guiding clients through compensation issues during strategic transactions. He also brings deep knowledge of regulatory complexities, including Sections 280G and 409A and offers additional insight into ERISA-related considerations that often arise in private equity and fund-related contexts.
“Jim’s arrival reflects our commitment to building a comprehensive corporate offering in Boston that aligns with the dynamic needs of our clients,” Richard Dickson, firmwide chair for Fenwick, said. “We’re focused on assembling a team that brings both depth and agility across disciplines, and Jim’s specialized experience in executive compensation and benefits is a key piece of that vision.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the firm,” Alan Smith, chair of Fenwick’s corporate group, said. “His background advising technology and life sciences companies across all manner of executive compensation and benefits arrangements adds meaningful breadth and depth to our team and enhances the support we provide clients to recruit and reward their critical talent.”
Hauser is the latest addition to Fenwick’s Boston office, which launched earlier this year with a robust life sciences IP team, including intellectual property partners Drs. Matthew Pavao, Heidi Erlacher and Chen Chen.
“Boston is home to some of the most innovative companies in tech and life sciences, and Fenwick is building a team that reflects that energy,” Hauser said. “I’m excited to contribute to that momentum and help clients design compensation programs that support their growth strategy and business objectives.”
