Since 1990, lawyer Ira G. Bogner has represented clients through complex legal matters, including corporate governance, equity arrangements, employment agreements, change in control agreements and various executive compensation arrangements.
A managing partner at Proskauer Rose LLP, where he’s worked throughout his professional legal career, Bogner formerly served as chair of the firm’s Tax Department and is now a member of the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Group.
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2012 for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Bogner is honored as “Lawyer of the Year” for the same practice area in New York for 2025.
“In my specific practice area, I don’t think there is any one or more recent accomplishments that built credibility and established a reputation among my legal peers. For over 34 years, all at Proskauer, I’ve operated as a subject matter expert, becoming known within this community of lawyers through day-to-day substantive work, bar association activities and peer group participation. This I believe has led to my current recognition,” said Bogner.
During his time at Proskauer Rose LLP, Bogner has been called on to help analyze and restructure alternative investments for pension trusts and numerous other exempt organizations.
Bogner has also assisted clients in avoiding ERISA “plan asset” status and operating an investment fund in accordance with ERISA Law.
His diverse experience in employment law has taught him the key to a long and productive legal career.
To be a successful employment lawyer, not only do you need know the law inside and out—you’ve also got to understand the legal “lore” by staying attuned to ongoing market developments through built connections in the ERISA community, he said.
“I enjoy practicing in a complex, constantly changing area of law,” said Bogner.
“I work with lawyers in my firm in many different practices across the country and enjoy being one of a few ‘experts’ in my area. As our private investment funds practice has grown, my practice has become much more focused on being part of an investment fund formation team and representing large pension plan investors in connection with alternative investments.”
Bogner has contributed widely to several top legal publications, including the New York and New Jersey Law Journal, and publicly lectures on topics such as the classification of workers, drafting employment agreements and other ERISA-specific areas.
“At the end of day, it is about client service. You need to take ownership of matters and always strive to simplify complexity in an effort to provide efficient and practical advice. At a conference I attended a long time ago, a senior lawyer offering advice to newer legal associates reminded the group that a lawyer’s job is to ‘advise and not acquiesce.’ I always keep that statement in the back of my mind,” said Bogner.
