Manatt Welcomes Back Notable Tax and Employee Benefits Attorney in San Francisco

By: Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP via Business Wire

April 18, 2022 at 09:00 AM EDT

John Heber rejoins Manatt, bringing unparalleled experience advising on the tax structuring of business transactions, executive compensation, employee benefits and other regulatory and strategic issues that impact domestic and international companies

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, a multidisciplinary, integrated professional services firm, announced today that John J. Heber has rejoined the Firm in San Francisco as a partner in its Tax, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice. Previously at Manatt for over a decade, Heber regularly counsels both emerging and established companies on a wide range of complex tax, executive compensation and employee benefits-related matters in the context of business transactions and throughout their business life cycle.

“As today’s business, legal and policy landscapes continue to evolve, our clients are increasingly seeking guidance on how to navigate these regulatory environments, which is a key strength of our cross-industry and integrated legal and consulting model,” said Donna L. Wilson, Manatt’s CEO and Managing Partner. “The tax implications of these changes impact virtually every aspect of business activity, so we’re thrilled to welcome back John, who will deepen our ability to support all of our clients’ needs across our core industries.”

Heber represents public and private companies in a wide variety of tax, strategic and regulatory issues—including the tax structuring of business transactions, diligence and related corporate governance issues, executive compensation, and employee benefits matters. He regularly advises—at the board, board committee and executive officer levels—on business exit strategies, executive contract negotiations and related SEC reporting. He also has extensive experience with the Employee Retirement Income Securities Act (ERISA) as well as with federal and state securities laws with respect to executive compensation reporting.

“John is an excellent lawyer and adviser with a critical skill set that will deepen our tax, employee benefits and executive compensation offerings,” said Sharon B. Bauman, leader of Manatt’s Cross-Industry group, which includes professionals in the Firm’s Tax, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice. “I enjoyed working with John while he was previously at Manatt, and I know that his return will be a boon to our clients because of his focus on collaboration and unparalleled client service.”

“John has spent decades as a trusted tax adviser for businesses ranging from startups to Fortune 50 companies across the industries in which Manatt is focused, including technology, financial services, health care and real estate,” said Jeffrey A. Mannisto, leader of the Firm’s Tax, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice. “His experience throughout California as well as on a national and global scale has given him a rare understanding of the sophisticated tax laws and regulations that companies in all industries need to consider in order to minimize compliance risks.”

Heber also has significant experience in the design and implementation of cash-based and equity compensation plans for public and private companies and companies structured as C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, LLCs and joint ventures. His background in the design and administration of a wide array of employee benefit plans includes tax-qualified retirement plans and health and welfare plans. In addition to the design, implementation and administration of domestic and international compensation and benefits programs, Heber regularly advises on trends in compensation practices and tax-efficient pay strategies.

“I am excited to rejoin Manatt and collaborate once again with the Firm’s impressive bench of legal and consulting professionals as we serve as true partners to our clients and help them address the full scope of their legal and business needs,” said Heber. “The Firm’s work representing businesses, partnerships and individuals operating across the industries driving innovation in today’s new economy makes now the perfect time for me to return and continue growing my practice.”

Heber is the most recent addition to Manatt, closely following the arrival of Antitrust Partner David Reichenberg. Other recent hires include Manatt Health Senior Advisors Tara R. Straw and Zoe Barnard, Entertainment Litigation Partner Nathaniel L. Bach, experienced FDA regulatory leader Rachel L. Sher, Manatt Health National Advisor Dr. Christina Jenkins and Senior Advisor Claudia Page, distinguished entertainment lawyer Christopher Chatham, Technology and Intellectual Property Litigation Partner Timothy Lohse, Digital and Technology Transactions Partner Michel C. Narganes, full-time Pro Bono Attorney Alexandra S. McCown, Manatt Health Senior Advisor Amy Salerno, health care and civil litigation Partner Megan Thibert-Ind, notable Antitrust Partner Stephen D. Libowsky and former New York State Department of Health Director Tracy F. Raleigh.

Heber is an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School of Los Angeles and Golden Gate University in San Francisco. He received his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law at Illinois Institute of Technology and his LL.M. in tax law and taxation from the Golden Gate University School of Law.

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is a leading professional services firm, providing integrated legal and consulting services to a global client base. With offices strategically located in California (Los Angeles, Orange County, Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Sacramento), New York (New York City and Albany), Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Boston, the Firm represents sophisticated clients — including Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies — across a range of industry sectors such as health care; financial services; entertainment; digital and technology; and energy, environmental and real estate. For more information, visit www.manatt.com.