James R. Raborn

Houston, TX

Jim Raborn has practiced in the ERISA and employee benefits area for over 35 years. His practice encompasses a broad range of employee and benefit matters, including both business planning and ERISA litigation.

A principal focus of Mr. Raborn’s work is the planning and structuring of such business transactions as corporate acquisitions and divestitures and formation and operation of partnerships, including master limited partnerships (MLPs). He deals with restructuring and refinancing, as well as litigation, mediation and arbitration between private contestants and government agencies.

Mr. Raborn does extensive work on fiduciary matters, including representing independent fiduciaries and plan sponsors in ERISA litigation relating to their obligations to employee benefit plans. He regularly advises employers and plan fiduciaries regarding the design, establishment, operation and termination of leveraged and unleveraged employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).

In the executive compensation area, Mr. Raborn helps clients establish and manage executive compensation plans and arrangements, as well as negotiate and draft employment and severance agreements with senior executives of publicly traded and privately held companies and MLPs, both domestic and global in scope.

Between college and law school, Mr. Raborn served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of captain.

Fiduciary/Other Title I Issues

Executive Compensation

DC Plans