Caryn Coppedge McNeill Partner
Duke University, J.D., 1991
Davidson College, B.A., with honors in English, 1988
Holton-Arms School, 1984
Professional Summary
Ms. McNeill leads Smith Anderson’s Employee Benefits and Compensation Practice Group. She regularly advises clients on all aspects of the design, implementation and administration of employee benefit plans and executive compensation arrangements, including stock option plans and other types of equity-based compensation arrangements. A significant part of her practice is devoted to counseling and negotiating on behalf of clients in connection with mergers and acquisitions. She also has extensive experience with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (“ESOPs”) and ESOP transactions.
Representative Accomplishments and Honors
Listed, Woodward/White Inc. The Best Lawyers in America (Employee Benefits)
Martindale-Hubbell AV® Rated
Triangle Business Leader Media's Pro Bono Impact Award
7-Year Member, Smith Anderson's Policy & Planning Committee
Selected Speaking Engagements
"The Employment Law and ESOP Implications of Reductions in Force and Multiple Layoffs," Carolinas Chapter of The ESOP Association 2nd Annual Conference, Pinehurst, North Carolina, August 27-28, 2009
"Opportunities and Obstacles in an Economic Slowdown," The ESOP Association's 2009 ESOP Southeast Regional Conference, Savannah, Georgia, March 26-27, 2009
"Are Your 401(k) Fiduciary Responsibilities Keeping You Up at Night?" Joint Program with Aon Consulting, North Carolina Bar Center, Cary, North Carolina, February 5, 2009
"Assorted Issues with ESOP Investments in Today's Market," Carolinas Chapter of The ESOP Association 1st Annual Conference, Pinehurst, North Carolina, August 27-28, 2008
"Special Issues in Mergers and Acquisitions: Employee Benefits Implications," North Carolina Bar Association 2008 Business Law Section and Corporate Counsel Section Joint Annual Meetings, Pinehurst, North Carolina, February 22, 2008
Professional and Community Activities
Member, Executive Committee, Carolinas Chapter of The ESOP Association
Member, Board of Trustees, Ravenscroft School
North Carolina Bar Association:
Co-Chair, “4ALL” Task Force (2007-2008)
Chair, Lawyer Effectiveness & Quality of Life Committee (2004-2006)
Member, BarCARES Board (2004-2006)
Member, Strategic Planning Committee (2001-2003)
Member, Tax Section Council (1998-2002)
Chair, Young Lawyers Division (1999-2000)
Bar Admissions and Memberships
American Bar Association
North Carolina State Bar
The ESOP Association
Triangle Benefits Forum
National Association of Stock Plan Professionals