Cody Yorke

Partner

(646) 825-4374

My Legal Practice

I represent smart, highly compensated executives and professionals as they progress in their careers.

My clients are industry leaders at public and private companies operating in retail, financial services, media and advertising, professional services, healthcare, and technology.

Specifically, I advise them when they’re approaching a crossroad in their career. They could be kicking the tires on a new opportunity, negotiating new terms with their employer, dealing with a disputed exit from their current employer, or trying to understand how an impending M&A transaction affects their future.

I help clients address the wide range of employment issues that can arise at these moments, including the drafting and negotiation of employment and exit agreements, restrictive covenants, deferred compensation and equity arrangements, independent contractor agreements, and other critical items.

As the co-chair of our executives and professionals group, I also make sure our attorneys are equipped with the knowledge we need to confidently serve clients. That means keeping my finger on the pulse of employer negotiating tactics, executive compensation trends, and industry and company-specific intelligence. Armed with that information, we’re able to be strategically nimble, as we address the issues that matter to our clients.

Notable Matters

  • Represented the chief financial officer of a major retail brand in his retirement from the company, including the analysis of equity incentives, supplemental savings, and retirement plans.
  • Represented the founder and CEO of a major e-retailer, in employment issues stemming from a SPAC transaction that took the company public.
  • Represented a prominent banker in his negotiation to become the chief risk officer of a leading asset management firm.
  • Represented two managing directors in the negotiation of new contracts following the acquisition of their employer by the sports and entertainment giant Endeavor.
  • Represented three c-suite publishing executives in the negotiation of employment agreements, equity arrangements and restrictive covenants following a private equity acquisition of their employer.

Credentials

  • B.A., University of British Columbia
  • M.A., York University
  • J.D., Queen’s University
  • Admitted to practice law in New York
  • Board Secretary, LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York
  • Member, New York Women’s Bar Association
  • Member, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York
  • Co-Chair, New York State Bar Association’s International Section
  • Employee Vice-Chair, ABA Labor & Employment Law Section, Outreach to International Lawyers Committee

My Story

I’ve always enjoyed puzzles, and the challenge of visualizing the big picture when only a few pieces are on the board. I view my work as an extension of this passion.

I approach every situation with a problem solver’s mindset and my client’s goals in mind – organizing, analyzing, planning, and then executing on the best path forward.

The executives and professionals I work with take their careers seriously and want every advantage when it changes, whether they’re driving, fighting or adapting to the changes, or they need a trusted and knowledgeable adviser to help guide them.

Together we unpack the puzzle and come up with the best possible strategy for achieving the picture they want to see.

Contact

Need legal advice?

(646) 825-4374

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