Document:

exv10w16

Exhibit 10.16

THE DOLAN COMPANY

AMENDED AND RESTATED

EXECUTIVE CHANGE IN CONTROL PLAN

     The purpose of this Executive Change in Control Plan (the “Plan”) is to secure the continued
services of certain senior executives of The Dolan Company and to ensure their continued dedication
to their duties in the event of any threat or occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company.
The Plan was approved by the Board on June 22, 2007, and became effective on August 7, 2007. This
Amended and Restated Executive Change in Control Plan was adopted by the Board on January 27, 2011,
effective as of such date, and reflects the First Amendment to the Plan approved by the
Compensation Committee on October 29, 2008, and additional amendments approved by the Board as of
the date of adoption of this Amended and Restated Plan.

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

     Section 1.1 Definitions

     Whenever used in this Plan, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth
in this Section 1.1. Certain other capitalized terms are defined elsewhere in this Plan.

     (a) “Annual Target Bonus Amount” means the annual target bonus for each Participant, if
any, as set by the Compensation Committee in accordance with the Company’s annual bonus plan
or policy for the calendar year in which the Participant incurs a termination of employment.

     (b) “Base Salary” means (i) for a Participant who has an individual employment
agreement with the Company, the annual base salary as specified in such employment agreement
as in effect during the calendar year in which the Participant incurs a termination of
employment (including any increases approved by the Compensation Committee), or (ii) for a
Participant who does not have an individual employment agreement with the Company, the base
salary shall equal the product of (x) the monthly salary as in effect during the last full
month prior to the month in which the Participant incurs a termination of employment
multiplied by (y) twelve (12).

     (c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

     (d) “Cash Severance Payment” means the cash payment of severance compensation as
provided in Section 4.2.

     (e) “Cause” means:

 

 

     (i) the willful and continued failure by a Participant to substantially perform
his or her duties for the Company (other than any such failure resulting from his or
her incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to
the delivery of a notice of the Company’s intent to terminate the Participant’s
employment without Cause or subsequent to the expiration of the Company’s remedy
period following the Participant’s delivery to the Company of a notice of his or her
intent to terminate employment for Good Reason), and such willful and continued
failure continues after a demand for substantial performance is delivered to the
Participant by the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the
Participant has not substantially performed his or her duties; or

     (ii) the willful engaging by the Participant in illegal conduct or gross
misconduct which is injurious to the business or reputation of the Company.

For purposes of determining whether “Cause” exists, no act or failure to act on the part of
the Participant shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, in bad
faith and without reasonable belief that the action or omission was in, or not opposed to,
the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given
pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, based upon the advice of counsel for the
Company or upon the instructions to a Participant by a more senior officer of the Company
shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, in good faith and in the
best interests of the Company. Cause shall not exist unless and until the Company has
delivered to the Participant a copy of a resolution duly adopted by two-thirds (2/3) of the
entire Board (excluding the Participant if applicable) at a meeting of the Board called and
held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to the Participant and an opportunity for the
Participant, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good
faith opinion of the Board an event set forth in clause (i) or (ii) has occurred and
specifying the particulars thereof in detail. The Company must notify the Participant of any
event constituting Cause within ninety (90) days following the Company’s knowledge of its
existence or such event shall not constitute Cause under this Plan. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, with respect to a Participant who has entered into an employment agreement with
the Company, “Cause” shall have the meaning specified in such agreement.

     (f) “Change in Control” means (a) the acquisition by any Person of beneficial ownership
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than fifty percent (50%)
of the outstanding voting Shares; provided, however, a Change in Control shall not be deemed
to occur solely because more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting Shares is
acquired by (i) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under one or more employee
benefit plans maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or (ii) any Person
which, immediately prior to such acquisition, is owned directly or indirectly by the
stockholders of the Company in approximately the same proportion as their ownership of
voting Shares immediately prior to such acquisition; (b) a merger, consolidation or other
reorganization involving the Company if the stockholders of the Company and their
affiliates, immediately before such merger, consolidation or other reorganization, do not,
as a result of such merger, consolidation, or

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other reorganization, own directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the
combined voting power of the then outstanding voting shares of the entity resulting from
such merger, consolidation or other reorganization; (c) a complete liquidation or
dissolution of the Company; or (d) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis),
other than a transfer to a “related person” described in Treasury Regulations or other
applicable guidance issued under Code Section 409A with respect to a change in ownership of
a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets.

     (g) “Change in Control Period” means the period described in Section 9.7 hereunder.

     (h) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     (i) “Committee” means the Compensation Committee or another committee designated to
administer the Plan pursuant to Section 8.1.

     (j) “Common Stock” means common stock, par value $.001 per share, of the Company.

     (k) “Company” means The Dolan Company, a Delaware corporation, any successor or
assignee as provided in Article VI and any Subsidiary, as applicable.

     (l) “Compensation” means a Participant’s Base Salary plus Annual Target Bonus
Amount for the year in which the termination of employment occurs (determined without regard
to any diminution in such Base Salary or Annual Target Bonus Amount constituting Good Reason
for Participant’s resignation). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
“Compensation” shall not include a Participant’s income from the grant or vesting of
restricted stock, or from the grant, vesting, or exercise of stock options, or any other
awards under any of the Company’s equity incentive plans.

     (m) “Compensation Committee” means the compensation committee of the Board.

     (n) “Disability” means a Participant’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful
activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be
expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less
than twelve (12) months, as determined by the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
with respect to a Participant who has entered into an employment agreement with the Company,
“Disability” shall have the meaning specified in such agreement as “Disability” or
“Permanent Disability.”

     (o) “Eligible Employee” means a regular full-time salaried employee of the Company who
is a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees of the Company.

     (p) “Employee Grade” means the grade (Grade One or Grade Two) to which a Participant is
designated by the Compensation Committee in accordance with Article III.

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     (q) “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

     (r) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     (s) “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without a Participant’s express written
consent, of any of the following events, provided that the Participant gives the Company
written notice of circumstances giving rise to any of the following events no later than
ninety (90) days after the date that such circumstances come into existence:

     (i) a material reduction by the Company of a Participant’s Base Salary and
Annual Target Bonus Amount (if any) as in effect immediately before a Change in
Control;

     (ii) (A) any material and adverse change in a Participant’s authority, duties
and responsibilities as in effect immediately before the Change in Control, or an
adverse change, after the occurrence of a Change in Control, in the duties,
responsibilities, authority or the managerial level of the individual or body of
individuals to whom a Participant reports; provided, however, that
Good Reason shall not be deemed to occur upon a change in duties or responsibilities
(other than reporting responsibilities) that is solely and directly a result of the
Company no longer being a publicly traded entity and does not involve any other
event set forth in this paragraph (ii), or (B) a material and adverse change in a
Participant’s titles or offices (excluding, if applicable, membership on the Board)
with the Company as in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control;

     (iii) the Company’s requiring a Participant to be based more than fifty (50)
miles from the location of such Participant’s place of employment immediately before
a Change in Control, except for normal business travel in connection with the
Participant’s duties with the Company; or

     (iv) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption agreement from any
successor as contemplated in Article VI hereof.

Good Reason shall not exist unless, following receipt by the Company of the Participant’s
notice under this Section 1.1(s), the Company is provided with thirty (30) days to remedy
the circumstances that would constitute Good Reason. After receipt, Participant’s right to
terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by incapacities due to mental or
physical illness and a Participant’s continued employment shall not, subject to the
requirements under this Section 1.1(s), constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with
respect to, any event or condition constituting Good Reason; provided that any termination
of a Participant’s employment for Good Reason as a result of such event or condition must
occur no later than the second anniversary of the date that such condition arises.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to a Participant who has entered into an
employment agreement with the Company, “Good Reason” shall have the meaning specified in
such agreement; provided, however that such meaning is consistent with the
definition of “good reason” provided in the Treasury Regulations or

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other applicable guidance issued under Code Section 409A with respect to involuntary
separations from service.

     (t) “Multiplier” for each Employee Grade shall be the number set forth opposite such
Employee Grade below:

	 	 	 	 	 
	Employee Grade	 	Multiplier
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Grade One
	 	 	2.5	 
	Grade Two
	 	 	1.0	 

     (u) “Participant” means an Eligible Employee designated by the Compensation Committee
to participate in the Plan pursuant to Article III; provided, however, that
with respect to an Eligible Employee who has not entered into an employment agreement with
the Company, such Eligible Employee shall not become a Participant eligible to receive any
benefits under the Plan until the Employee has executed a copy of, and delivered to the
Company, the Restrictive Covenant Agreement attached as Exhibit A.

     (v) “Person” means any individual, sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, limited liability company, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated
organization, institution, public benefit corporation, entity or government instrumentality,
division, agency, body or department.

     (w) “Release” means, (i) with respect to a Participant who has entered into an
employment agreement with the Company that has a release attached as an exhibit to such
employment agreement, such release, or (ii) with respect to a Participant who has not
entered into an employment agreement with the Company or who has entered into an employment
agreement that does not have a release attached as an exhibit, a release acceptable to the
Company and in a form substantially similar to the Separation and General Release Agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit B, with modifications to account for variations in state laws.

     (x) “Separation from Service” means a Participant’s termination of employment from the
Company which constitutes a “separation from service,” as such term is defined in Treasury
Regulations or other applicable guidance issued under Code Section 409A.

     (y) “Severance Benefit” means the Cash Severance Payment and all other payments and
benefits as provided in Article IV.

     (z) “Share” means a share of the Common Stock.

     (aa) “Subsidiary” means any corporation or other Person, a majority of the voting
power, equity securities or equity interest of which is owned directly or indirectly by the
Company.

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ARTICLE II

CERTAIN REDUCTIONS OF PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY

     Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of this Plan, any Participant shall have the
right, exercisable by written notice to the Company delivered at least 60 days before the due date
for payment of any amounts that become payable pursuant to Article IV hereof, to have an
independent national accounting firm designated by such Participant (the “Accounting Firm”) compute
whether there would be any “excess parachute payments” payable to such Participant, within the
meaning of Code Section 280G, taking into account the total “parachute payments,” within the
meaning of Code Section 280G, payable to such Participant by the Company or any successor thereto
under this Plan and any other plan, agreement or otherwise. If there would be any excess parachute
payments, the Accounting Firm will compute the net after-tax proceeds of such total “parachute
payments” that would be paid to such Participant, after taking into account all applicable federal,
state and local income and employment taxes, and the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999, if
either (a) the payments hereunder were reduced, but not below zero, such that the total parachute
payments payable to such Participant would not exceed three (3) times the “base amount” as defined
in Code Section 280G, less One Dollar ($1.00); or (b) the payments hereunder were not reduced. If
reducing the payments hereunder would result in a greater after-tax amount of such proceeds being
paid to such Participant, such lesser amount shall be paid. If not reducing the payments hereunder
would result in a greater after-tax amount of such proceeds being paid to such Participant, such
payments to such Participant shall not be reduced. Any good faith determination by the Accounting
Firm shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Company and such Participant, subject to the
following paragraph. Any Participant exercising the right set forth in this paragraph shall be
obligated to ensure that the Accounting Firm completes its computations and delivers them in
writing to the Company, together with reasonable supporting documentation, by no later than 30 days
prior to the due date for payment of any amounts that become payable pursuant to Article IV hereof.

     As a result of uncertainty in the application of Code Section 280G, it is possible that
excess parachute payments will be paid to a Participant even when such Participant elects to have
the Accounting Firm complete the computations described in the previous paragraph and the payments
hereunder are reduced as a result of the Accounting Firm’s computations; but any such result is not
the intent hereof. In any such case, the payment of any excess parachute payment under this Plan
will be void ab initio to the extent of any such excess. Any excess will be treated as an
overpayment by the Company to the affected Participant. Such Participant will return the
overpayment to the Company, within fifteen (15) business days after any determination by the
Accounting Firm that excess parachute payments have been paid when not so intended, with interest
at an annual rate equal to the rate provided in Code Section 1274(d) (or 120% of such rate if the
Accounting Firm determines that such rate is necessary to avoid an excise tax under Code Section
4999) from the date the Participant received the excess until it is repaid to the Company.

     All reasonable fees, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, the cost of
retaining experts) of the Accounting Firm shall be borne by the Company; and the Company shall pay
such fees, costs, and expenses as they become due. In performing the computations required
hereunder, the Accounting Firm shall assume that taxes will be paid for federal, state and local

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purposes at the highest possible marginal tax rates that could be applicable to the
Participant in the year of receipt of the payments, unless the Participant agrees otherwise.

ARTICLE III

ELIGIBILITY

     Section 3.1 Designation of Participants

     The Compensation Committee shall have the authority to designate Eligible Employees as
Participants from time to time, and to designate such matters as the date that participation by the
Eligible Employee shall commence and the appropriate Employee Grade, in each case at the sole
discretion of the Compensation Committee.

     Section 3.2 Changes in Employee Grades

     The Compensation Committee shall have the authority, in its sole discretion, to change the
Employee Grade of a Participant to an Employee Grade associated with a higher Multiplier.

ARTICLE IV

SEVERANCE BENEFITS

     Section 4.1 Right to Severance Benefit; Release

     Subject to the execution and delivery by the Participant of the Release, and to such Release
becoming effective, the Participant shall be eligible to receive (i) a Cash Severance Payment from
the Company in the amount provided in Section 4.2 at such time as provided in Section 4.4, and (ii)
such other benefits and rights provided in Sections 4.5 and 4.6, in each case provided that the
Participant incurs a termination of employment from the Company within ninety (90) days immediately
preceding or twelve (12) months immediately following the occurrence of a Change in Control for any
reason other than:

     (a) Death,

     (b) Disability,

     (c) Termination by the Company for Cause,

     (d) Voluntary termination by the Participant for other than Good Reason, or

     (e) A corporate transaction by the Company selling the Subsidiary which employed the
Participant before such transaction, but only if such Participant is offered employment with
the purchaser of such Subsidiary on substantially the same terms and conditions under which
such Participant worked for the such subsidiary before the transaction.

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     Section 4.2 Amount of Cash Severance Payment

     The amount of the Cash Severance Payment shall equal the product of the Participant’s
Compensation multiplied by the Multiplier for the Participant’s Employee Grade, less applicable
withholdings.

     Section 4.3 No Mitigation; Offset

     The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Participant shall be entitled to receive all
amounts due pursuant to this Article IV regardless of any income which the Participant may receive
from other sources following termination of employment from the Company. Notwithstanding anything
herein to the contrary, any Severance Benefit payable or benefit provided to a Participant
hereunder shall be reduced by severance payments or comparable benefits to which the Participant is
entitled under any plan or program sponsored by the Company or under any similar arrangement
entered into by the Company and the Participant, including, but not limited to, employment
agreements.

     Section 4.4 Payment of Severance Benefit

     The Participant’s ability to receive the Severance Benefit is contingent upon (i) the
Participant executing, timely delivering to the Company and not revoking the Release provided to
the Participant by the Company and (ii) the Participant’s compliance with the restrictive covenants
set forth in the employment agreement or any other agreement entered into by the Participant and
the Company, including, but not limited to, the Restrictive Covenant Agreement attached as Exhibit
A; provided, that, if a Participant breaches any such restrictive covenant, then,
in addition to other available remedies provided in such agreement or under applicable law, such
Participant shall cease to be eligible for any Severance Benefit or other benefits under this Plan,
and, upon the Company’s written request, must promptly repay to the Company any Severance Benefit
and monetary value of other benefits previously received under the Plan; provided
further that any amount to be repaid shall be on a gross basis, without reduction
for any taxes incurred. Provided that the Participant meets these conditions, the Cash Severance
Payment shall be paid to the Participant, in one lump sum cash payment, on the six (6) month
anniversary of the Participant’s Separation from Service. If the Company shall have timely
delivered the form of Release to a Participant, and the Participant either fails to execute and
deliver the Release to the Company at least thirty (30) days before that six (6) month anniversary,
or he or she does so but rescinds such Release before any Cash Severance Payment is otherwise due
the Participant under this Section 4.4, the Company shall have no obligations to provide the
Severance Benefit.

     Section 4.5 Medical and Dental Benefits Continuation

     Any Participant who is entitled to the Cash Severance Payment hereunder, shall, for the
eighteen (18) month period following his or her termination of employment with the Company, be
eligible to continue coverage in the medical and dental plans maintained by the Company during such
period on the same terms and conditions as if the Participant remained an active employee of the
Company during such eighteen (18) month period. The coverage required by this Section 4.5 need
only be provided by the Company if the Participant (on behalf of himself or

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herself and his or her eligible dependents) makes the appropriate election as required by Code
Section 4980B and otherwise complies with the requirements of Code Section 4980B.

     Section 4.6 Outplacement Services

     Any Participant who is entitled to the Cash Severance Payment hereunder shall also receive
from the Company, in addition to amounts due pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof, an amount equal to
forty-five thousand dollars ($45,000). It is intended by the Company that such amount be used by
the Participant for outplacement services. Amounts due pursuant to this Section 4.6 shall be
payable on the date that the Cash Severance Payment becomes due pursuant to Section 4.4 hereof.

     Section 4.7 Withholding of Taxes

     The Company shall withhold from any amounts or benefits payable to the Participant under this
Plan all federal, state, local, city, employment or other taxes required by applicable law to be
withheld by the Company.

ARTICLE V

OTHER RIGHTS AND BENEFITS NOT AFFECTED

     Section 5.1 Other Benefits

     Subject to Section 4.3, neither the provisions of this Plan nor the Severance Benefit provided
for hereunder shall reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way diminish a Participant’s
rights as an employee, whether existing now or hereafter, under any employee benefit, incentive,
retirement, welfare, stock option, stock bonus or stock-based, or stock purchase plan, program,
policy or arrangement or any written employment agreement or other plan, program policy or
arrangement not related to severance.

     Section 5.2 Employment Status

     This Plan does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on a Participant any
obligation to remain in the employ of the Company, nor does it impose on the Company any obligation
to retain a Participant in his or her present or any other position, nor does it change the status
of a Participant’s employment as an employee at will (or otherwise). Nothing in this Plan shall in
any way affect the right of the Company in its absolute discretion to change or reduce a
Participant’s compensation at any time, or to change or terminate at any time one or more of its
employee benefit plans.

ARTICLE VI

SUCCESSOR TO THE COMPANY

     The Company shall require any successor or assignee, whether direct or indirect, by purchase,
merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or substantially all the business or assets of the
Company, unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the Company’s obligations under this Plan,
in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no
succession or assignment had taken place. In such event, the term “Company”, as

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used in this Plan, shall mean (from and after, but not before, the occurrence of such event)
the Company as herein before defined and any successor or assignee to the business or assets which
by reason hereof becomes bound by the terms and provisions of this Plan.

ARTICLE VII

CLAIMS

     Section 7.1 Claims Procedure

     If a Participant has (a) a claim for compensation or benefits which are not being paid under
the Plan, (b) another claim for benefits under the Plan, or (c) a claim for clarification of rights
under this Plan, then such Participant (or his or her designee) (a “Claimant”) may file with the
Committee a written claim setting forth the amount and nature of the claim, supporting facts, and
the Claimant’s address. The Committee shall notify each Claimant of its decision in writing by
written or electronic means within 90 days after its receipt of a claim, unless otherwise agreed by
the Claimant. In special circumstances, the Committee may extend for a further 90 days the
deadline for its decision, provided the Committee notifies the Claimant of the need for the
extension within 90 days after its receipt of a claim. If a claim is denied, the written notice of
denial shall set forth the reasons for such denial, refer to pertinent provisions of the Plan on
which the denial is based, describe any additional material or information necessary for the
Claimant to realize the claim, and explain the claims review procedure under the Plan and a
statement of a Participant’s right to bring a cause of action under Section 502(a) of ERISA after
receiving a denial upon appeal.

     Section 7.2 Claims Review Procedure

     A Claimant whose claim has been denied or such Claimant’s duly authorized representative may
file, within 60 days after notice of such denial is received by the Claimant, a written request for
review of such claim by the Committee. If a request is so filed, the Committee shall review the
claim and notify the Claimant in writing of its decision within 60 days after receipt of such
request, unless otherwise agreed by the Claimant. In special circumstances, the Committee may
extend for up to 60 additional days the deadline for its decision, provided the Committee notifies
the Claimant of the need for the extension within 60 days after its receipt of the request for
review. The notice of the final decision of the Committee shall include the reasons for its
decision, specific references to the Plan on which the decision is based and a statement of a
Participant’s right to receive, upon request and without charge, reasonable access to and copies of
all documents, records and other information relevant to the claim for benefits. The decision of
the Committee shall be final and binding on all parties.

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ARTICLE VIII

ADMINISTRATION

     Section 8.1 Committee

     The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee, subject to the authority of the
Board to appoint another committee to perform the functions of the Committee under the Plan.

     Section 8.2 Duties

     Except as otherwise provided herein, the Committee shall have the power and duty in its sole
and absolute discretion to do all things necessary or convenient to effect the intent and purposes
of the Plan, whether or not such powers and duties are specifically set forth herein, and, by way
of amplification and not limitation of the foregoing, the Committee shall have the power in its
sole and absolute discretion to:

     (a) provide rules for the management, operation and administration of the Plan, and,
from time to time, amend or supplement such rules;

     (b) interpret and construe the Plan in its sole and absolute discretion to the fullest
extent permitted by law, which interpretation and construction shall be final and conclusive
upon all persons;

     (c) correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan
in such manner and to such extent as it shall deem appropriate in its sole discretion to
carry the same into effect;

     (d) make all determinations relevant to eligibility for benefits under the Plan,
including determinations as to: whether a Participant has incurred a termination of
employment, the existence of Cause or Good Reason, whether the amounts or benefits to be
provided under the Plan would be subject to additional taxes and penalties under Code
Section 409A, and compliance with applicable restrictive covenants;

     (e) enforce the Plan in accordance with its terms and the Committee’s interpretation or
construction of the Plan as provided in subsection (b) above; and

     (f) do all other acts and things necessary or proper in its judgment to carry out the
purposes of the Plan in accordance with its terms and intent.

     The Committee shall have the authority to adopt, alter and repeal such administrative rules,
guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall, from time to time, deem advisable, to
interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and to otherwise supervise the administration of the
Plan.

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ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

     Section 9.1 Applicable Law

     This Plan is an employee welfare benefit plan subject to ERISA and shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with ERISA and, to the extent applicable and not preempted by ERISA, the
law of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within that
State, without regard to its conflict of law principle. In addition, this Plan shall be construed
in a manner intended to comply with Code Section 409A, the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder
and any other applicable guidance.

     Section 9.2 Construction

     No term or provision of this Plan shall be construed so as to require the commission of any
act contrary to law, and wherever there is any conflict between any provisions of this Plan and any
present or future law, ordinance, or regulation, the latter shall prevail, but in such event the
affected provision of this Plan shall be curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to
bring such provision with the requirements of the law.

     Section 9.3 Severability; Equitable Modification

     If a provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or invalid, the illegality or invalidity
shall not affect the remaining parts of this Plan and this Plan shall be construed and enforced as
if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included. If any court of competent jurisdiction
shall deem any provision of the Agreement too restrictive, the other provisions shall stand, and
the court shall modify the provision at issue to the point of greatest restriction permissible by
law.

     Section 9.4 Headings

     The Section headings in this Plan are inserted only as a matter of convenience of reference,
and in no way define, limit, or extend or interpret the scope of this Plan or of any particular
Section.

     Section 9.5 Assignability

     A Participant’s rights or interests under this Plan shall not be assignable or transferrable
(whether by pledge, grant of a security interest, or otherwise), except by will or by the laws of
descent and distribution.

     Section 9.6 No Waiver

     Any waiver of breach of any of the terms, provisions, or conditions of this Agreement must be
in writing to be effective, and shall not be construed or held to be a waiver of any other breach,
or a waiver of, acquiescence in, or consent to any further succeeding breach thereof.

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     Section 9.7 Term

     This Plan shall continue in full force and effect until its terms and provisions are
completely carried out, unless terminated by the Board with at least a majority vote before the
commencement of a Change in Control Period (as defined below). A “Change in Control Period” shall
commence upon the earlier of (i) the first day the Company (or any Person on its behalf) begins
negotiations to effect a Change in Control and (ii) the Company executing a letter of intent
(whether or not binding) or a definitive agreement to effect a Change in Control and shall expire
upon the first to occur of (A) the occurrence of a Change in Control and (B) the first anniversary
of the commencement of the Change in Control Period.

     Section 9.8 Amendment/Termination

     This Plan may be amended in any respect by resolution adopted by the Board until the
commencement of a Change in Control Period; provided, however, that this Section 9.8 shall not be
amended, and no amendment to the Plan shall be effective if made during a Change in Control Period
except to the extent that such amendment is agreed to by the affected Participants in writing.
After a Change in Control occurs, this Plan shall no longer be subject to amendment, change,
substitution, deletion, revocation or termination in any respect whatsoever until the second
anniversary of such Change in Control. No agreement or representations, written or oral, express
or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof, have been made by the Company which are not
expressly set forth in this Plan. Amendment or termination of the Plan shall not accelerate (or
defer) the time of any payment under the Plan that is deferred compensation subject to Code Section
409A if such acceleration (or deferral) would subject such deferred compensation to additional tax
or penalties under Code Section 409A.

     Section 9.9 Notices

     For purposes of this Plan, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be
in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered, or sent by
certified or overnight mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective
addresses last given by each party to the other, provided that all notices to the Company shall be
directed to the attention of the Board. All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been
received on the date of delivery thereof if personally delivered, on the third business day after
the mailing thereof, or on the date after sending by overnight mail, except that notice of change
of address shall be effective only upon actual receipt. No objection to the method of delivery may
be made if the written notice or other communication is actually received.

     Section 9.10 Exculpation

     To the extent permitted by applicable law, no member of the Committee serving as Plan
administrator nor any other officer, employee or director of the Company acting on behalf of the
Company with respect to this Plan shall be directly or indirectly responsible or otherwise liable
by reason of any action or default as a member of that Committee, Plan administrator or other
officer or employee of the Company acting on behalf of the Company with respect to this Plan, or by
reason of the exercise of or failure to exercise any power or discretion as such person, except for
any action, default, exercise or failure to exercise resulting from such person’s gross

13

 

negligence or willful misconduct. To the extent permitted by applicable law, no member of the
Committee shall be liable in any way for the acts or defaults of any other member of the Committee,
or any of its advisors, agents or representatives.

     Section 9.11 Indemnification

     The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Committee serving as Plan
administrator, and each other officer, employee or director of the Company acting on behalf of the
Company with respect to this Plan, against any and all expenses and liabilities arising out of his
or her own membership on the Committee, service as Plan administrator, or other actions respecting
this Plan on behalf of the Company, except for expenses and liabilities arising out of such
person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. A person indemnified under this Section who seeks
indemnification hereunder (“Indemnitee”) shall tender to the Company a request that the Company
defend any claim with respect to which the Indemnitee seeks indemnification under this Section and
shall fully cooperate with the Company in the defense of such claim. If the Company shall fail to
timely assume the defense of such claim, then the Indemnitee may control the defense of such claim.
However, no settlement of any claim otherwise indemnified under this Section shall be subject to
indemnity hereunder unless the Company consents in writing to such settlement.

     Section 9.12 Information

     The Company and the Participant shall furnish to the Committee in writing all information the
Committee may deem appropriate for the exercise of their powers and duties in the administration of
the Plan. Such information may include, but shall not be limited to, the names of all Plan
participants, their earnings and their dates of birth, employment, termination or death. Such
information shall be conclusive for all purposes of the Plan, and the Committee shall be entitled
to rely thereon without any investigation thereof.

     Section 9.13 No Property Interest

     The Plan is unfunded. Severance pay shall be paid exclusively from the general assets of the
Company and any liability of the Company to any person with respect to benefits payable under the
Plan shall give rise solely to a claim as an unsecured creditor against the general assets of the
Company. Any claim a Participant may have, or any interest in or right to any compensation,
payment or benefit payable hereunder, shall rely solely upon the unsecured promise of the Company
for the payment thereof, and nothing herein contained shall be construed to give to or vest in a
Participant or any other person now or at any time in the future, any right, title, interest or
claim in or to any specific asset, fund, reserve, account, insurance or annuity policy or contract,
or other property of any kind whatsoever owned by the Company, or in which the Company may have any
right, title or interest now or at any time in the future.

     Section 9.14 Beneficiary

     Any payment due under this Plan after a Participant’s death shall be paid to such person or
persons, jointly or successively, as such Participant may designate, in writing filed with the
Committee during such Participant’s lifetime in a form acceptable to the Committee, which a
Participant may change without the consent of any beneficiary by filing a new designation of

14

 

beneficiary in like manner. If no designation of beneficiary is on file with the Committee or
no designated beneficiary is living or in existence upon such Participant’s death, such payments
shall be made to such Participant’s surviving spouse, if any, or if none, to such Participant’s
estate.

     Section 9.15 Plan Year

     The fiscal records of the Plan shall be kept on the basis of a plan year which is the calendar
year.

* * *

     Dated: January 27, 2011

15

 

Exhibit A

Restrictive Covenants Agreement

     THIS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), effective as of _______, 20__ (the “Effective Date”), is
between The Dolan Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and ________________
(“Executive”).

PRELIMINARY RECITALS

     The Company currently employs Executive as its ____________________.

     The Company desires to continue to employ Executive and Executive desires to be employed by
the Company as the ___________________ of the Company on the terms and conditions contained herein.

     The Company has approved the Executive Change in Control Plan of The Dolan Company (the
“Plan”) and has designated the Executive as a Participant pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Plan.

     Upon the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall be a Participant in the Plan.

AGREEMENT

     In consideration of the premises, the mutual covenants of the parties hereinafter set forth
and other good and valuable consideration, including, but not limited to, the continued employment
of the Executive and the benefits under the Plan, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1. Confidential Information. Other than in the performance of his or her duties
hereunder, while employed by the Company and thereafter, Executive shall keep secret and retain in
strictest confidence, and shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board, furnish, make
available or disclose to any third party or use for Executive’s own benefit or the benefit of any
third party, any Confidential Information. As used herein, “Confidential Information” shall mean
any information relating to the business or affairs of the Company, including, but not limited to,
the Company’s products, servicing methods, development plans, costs, finances, marketing plans,
equipment configurations, data, data bases, access or security codes or procedures, business
opportunities, names of customers, research and development, inventions, algorithms, know-how and
ideas, and other proprietary information used by the Company in connection with its business;
provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not include any information
which is in the public domain or becomes generally known in the industry other than as a result of
Executive’s breach of the covenant contained in this Paragraph 1 or the disclosure of which may be
required by law or in a judicial or administrative proceeding. Executive acknowledges that the
Confidential Information is vital, sensitive, confidential and proprietary to the Company.

A-1

 

     2. Non-Competition and Interference with Relationships. During employment and for a
period of twelve (12) months following the Separation of Service (as such term is defined in the
Plan) of the Executive (the “Restricted Term”), Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, alone
or in combination with any other firm, partnership, company, corporation or person:

          (a) (i) engage in, participate in or otherwise assist (whether as an owner, officer, partner,
principal, joint venturer, shareholder, director, member, manager, investor, employee, agent,
independent contractor, consultant or otherwise) any other person, entity or business (a
“Competitor”) engaged in or planning to engage in the Business of the Company (as defined below) in
any State of the United States of America, or in any foreign country in which the Company or an
affiliate or subsidiary of the Company is conducting such Business of the Company on the date of
such termination (the “Restricted Territory”), unless (x) at the time of the proposed action by
Executive, (1) the revenues of any such Competitor from a Business of the Company for the preceding
fiscal year of such Competitor constituted less than fifteen percent (15%) of the total revenues of
such Competitor for such fiscal year and (2) Executive provides the Company with a signed
certificate from the independent accountants for such Competitor stating that, in such independent
accountants’ good faith reasonable judgment, the annual revenues of such Competitor from a Business
of the Company will be less than fifteen percent (15%) of the total annual revenues of such
Competitor during the Restricted Term, or (y) the sole action of Executive with respect to a
Competitor that is a publicly traded company consists of acquiring not more than 1% of the
outstanding shares of such Competitor; or (ii) solicit or encourage any customer or partner of the
Company or its affiliates (determined as of the date of the Separation of Service) to terminate or
otherwise alter his or her, her or its relationship with the Company; or

          (b) employ, retain or solicit or attempt to solicit for employment or retention as an
independent contractor, or otherwise attempt to hire or assist in the hiring of (or assist any
other party to take any such action regarding), any individual employed or engaged by the Company
during the Restricted Term; or encourage, induce, or persuade any such person to terminate his or
her or her employment or other relationship with the Company.

          (c) For purposes hereof, “Business of the Company” means (i) the “court and commercial”
newspaper and/or “business journal” publishing business, (ii) the business of providing mortgage
default processing services and/or appellate services to the legal profession, or (iii) any
additional business in which the Company becomes engaged or has actively and substantially
implemented plans to become engaged as of the date of termination of the Employment Period;
provided that in the event any of the foregoing businesses are sold or are discontinued during the
Restricted Period, the “Business of the Company” shall cease to include such sold or discontinued
business as of the date of sale or discontinuation; provided further that if the Company becomes
re-engaged or implements plans to become re-engaged in any such sold or discontinued business, the
“Business of the Company” shall again include such business.

A-2

 

     3. Mutual Non-Disparagement. Neither party shall, at any time while the Executive is
employed by the Company or thereafter, make statements or representations, or otherwise
communicate, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally or otherwise, or take any action which may,
directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the other party (including any of the Company’s
subsidiaries, other affiliates, officers, directors, employees, partners or stockholders);
provided that nothing in this Paragraph 3 shall preclude either party from making truthful
statements or disclosures that are required by applicable law, regulation or legal process.

     4. Scope and Severability. The parties acknowledge that the Business of the Company
is and will be national in scope and thus the covenants in this Agreement would be particularly
ineffective if the covenants were to be limited to a particular geographic area of the United
States. If any court of competent jurisdiction at any time deems the Restricted Term unreasonably
lengthy, or the Restricted Territory unreasonably extensive, or any of the covenants set forth in
this Agreement not fully enforceable, the other provisions of this Agreement, and this Agreement in
general, will nevertheless stand and to the fullest extent consistent with law continue in full
force and effect, and it is the intention and desire of the parties that the court treat any
provisions of this Agreement which are not fully enforceable as having been modified to the extent
deemed necessary by the court to render them reasonable and enforceable and that the court enforce
them to such extent (for example, that the Restricted Term be deemed to be the longest period
permissible by law, but not in excess of the length provided for in Paragraph 2, and the Restricted
Territory be deemed to comprise the largest territory permissible by law under the circumstances,
but not in excess of the territory provided for in Paragraph 2).

     5. Remedies. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants set forth in this
Agreement (collectively, the “Restrictive Covenants”) are reasonable and necessary for the
protection of the Company’s business interests, that irreparable injury will result to the Company
if Executive breaches any of the terms of the Restrictive Covenants, and that in the event of
Executive’s actual or threatened breach of any of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company will have
no adequate remedy at law. Executive accordingly agrees that in the event of any actual or
threatened breach by him or her of any of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company shall be entitled
to immediate temporary injunctive and other equitable relief, without bond and without the
necessity of showing actual monetary damages. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as
prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach or
threatened breach, including the recovery of any damages or other remedies as specified in Section
4.4 of the Plan. The provisions of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or earlier
termination of this Agreement for any reason.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 	 	 	THE DOLAN COMPANY
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	By:	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Executive Signature	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	Title:	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Executive Name (print)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Dated:

	 	 	 	Dated:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

A-3

 

Exhibit B

Separation and General Release Agreement

     The Dolan Company (“Company”), and ___________ (“Employee”), agree that this Separation
Agreement and General Release (“Agreement”) sets forth their complete agreement and understanding
regarding the termination of Employee’s employment with Company.

     1. Separation Date. Employee’s employment with Company will terminate/was terminated
effective ______________ (the “Separation Date”). Employee represents that the Employee has
returned all Company property to Company. Except as specifically provided below, Employee shall
not be entitled to receive any benefits of employment following the Separation Date.

     2. Consideration of Company. In consideration for the releases and covenants by
Employee in this Agreement, Company will provide Employee with: describe severance benefits.

     [For Minnesota employees, add: The Company will pay the severance benefit in one payment on
the first Company payday after 18 days have passed from the date on which the Employee signs this
Agreement.]

     3. Employee Release of Rights and Agreement Not to Sue. Employee (defined for the
purpose of this Paragraph 3 as Employee and Employee’s agents, representatives, attorneys, assigns,
heirs, executors, and administrators) fully and unconditionally releases the Released Parties
(defined as the Company and any of its past or present employees, agents, insurers, attorneys,
administrators, officials, directors, shareholders, divisions, parents, subsidiaries, predecessors,
successors, employee benefit plans, and the sponsors, fiduciaries, or administrators of the
Company’s employee benefit plans) from, and agrees not to bring any action, proceeding or suit
against any of the Released Parties regarding, any and all known or unknown claims, causes of
action, liabilities, damages, fees, or remunerations of any sort, arising or that may have arisen
out of or in connection with Employee’s employment with or termination of employment from the
Company, including but not limited to claims for:

(a) violation of any written or unwritten contract, agreement, policy, benefit plan,
retirement or pension plan, option plan, severance plan, or covenant of any kind, or failure
to pay wages, bonuses, employee benefits, other compensation, attorneys’ fees, damages, or
any other remuneration; and/or

(b) discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of any characteristic protected
under law, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual
orientation, religion, disability, marital or parental status, age, union activity or other
protected activity; and/or

(c) denial of protection or benefits under any statute, ordinance, executive order, or
regulation, including but not limited to claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Age Discrimination

B-1

 

in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the
Family and Medical Leave Act, the Workers’ Adjustment and Retraining Notification, the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection
Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, or any other federal,
state or local statute, ordinance, or regulation regarding employment, termination of
employment, or discrimination in employment;

(d) violation of any public policy or common law of any state relating to employment or
personal injury, including but not limited to claims for wrongful discharge, defamation,
invasion of privacy, infliction of emotional distress, negligence, interference with
contract; and/or

(e) all claims for any other form of pay or compensation that is not provided in this
Agreement, including, for example, holiday pay, vacation pay, paid time off, sick pay, bonus
pay, commissions, and overtime pay.

     This Agreement does not prohibit Employee from filing an administrative charge of
discrimination with, or cooperating or participating in an investigation or proceeding conducted
by, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other federal or state regulatory or law
enforcement agency. If Employee has filed or files a charge, complaint or action, the severance
payment described in this Agreement is in complete satisfaction of any and all claims in connection
with such charge, complaint or action, and Employee will not be entitled to any other monetary
relief of any kind with respect to the claims released in this Agreement.

     4. No Disparagement or Encouragement of Claims. Except as required by lawful subpoena
or other legal obligation, Employee agrees not to make any oral or written statement that
disparages or places the Company (including any of its past or present officers, employees,
products or services) in a false or negative light, or to encourage or assist any person or entity
who may or who has filed a lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint against the Released Parties (as
defined in Paragraph 3, above). Employee affirms that Employee has not done anything before
signing this Agreement that would violate this paragraph. If Employee receives any subpoena or
becomes subject to any legal obligation that implicates this paragraph, Employee will provide
prompt written notice of that fact to the Company (as provided below) and enclose a copy of the
subpoena and any other documents describing the legal obligation. [OPTIONAL]

     5. Non-admission/Inadmissibility. This Agreement does not constitute an admission
that the Company took any wrongful, unlawful, or harmful action, and the Company specifically
denies any wrongdoing. This Agreement is offered solely to resolve fully all matters related to
Employee’s employment with and termination from Company. This Agreement shall not be used as
evidence in any proceeding, except one alleging a breach of this Agreement.

     6. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable such that the
invalidity of any provision shall not affect the validity of other provisions; provided, however,
that if a court or other binding authority holds that any release in Paragraph 3 is illegal, void
or unenforceable, Employee agrees to promptly execute a release and agreement that is legal and
enforceable.

B-2

 

     7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with Delaware law, without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws.

     8. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding
concerning Employee’s separation from the Company. This Agreement supersedes and replaces any and
all prior agreements, understandings, discussions, negotiations, or proposals concerning the
matters addressed herein; provided, however, that the Company’s Executive Change in Control Plan,
including without limitation Employee’s obligations thereunder and the applicable restrictive
covenants to which the Employee is bound, shall remain in full force and effect. In deciding to
sign this Agreement, Employee has not relied on any express or implied promise, statement, or
representation by the Company, whether oral or written, except as set forth herein.

     9. [FOR EMPLOYEES AGE 40+ ONLY] Revocation Period. Employee has the right to revoke
this Agreement, solely with regard to Employee’s release of claims under the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, for up to seven days after Employee
signs it. In order to revoke this Agreement, Employee must sign and send a written notice of the
decision to do so, addressed to [insert title, and address], and that written notice must
be received by the Company no later than the eighth day after Employee signed this Agreement. If
Employee revokes this Agreement, Employee will not be entitled to any of the consideration from the
Company described in paragraph 2 above or under the Company’s Change in Control Plan.

     10. [FOR MINNESOTA EMPLOYEES ONLY] Employee may revoke this Agreement within seven (7)
calendar days to reinstate federal claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act as
described above; or rescind within fifteen (15) calendar days to reinstate claims under the
Minnesota Human Rights Act. The 7-day revocation and 15-day rescission periods will run at the
same time. To be effective, any rescission or revocation must be in writing and delivered to
[title], either by hand or by mail, within the relevant fifteen (15) day time period from the date
signed below. If sent by mail, the rescission must be (a) postmarked within the fifteen (15) day
period; (b) properly addressed to [title and address]; and (c) sent by certified mail, return
receipt requested. Employee expressly understands that, if he/she revokes or rescinds this Release
as provided above, this Agreement will be null and void. The Employee’s employment will still end
on the Separation Date, and the Employee will be paid only wages due through the Separation Date.

     11. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. Employee acknowledges that:

	 	a.	 	Employee has carefully read this Agreement and fully understands its meaning;
	 
	 	b.	 	Employee had the opportunity to take up to 21 days [45 days for those age 40+
discharged in a termination affecting more than 1 employee] after receiving this
Agreement to decide whether to sign it;

B-3

 

	 	c.	 	Employee understands that the Company is herein advising him or her, in
writing, to consult with an attorney before signing it;
	 
	 	d.	 	Employee is signing this Agreement, knowingly, voluntarily, and without any
coercion or duress; and
	 
	 	e.	 	everything Employee is receiving for signing this Agreement is described in the
Agreement itself, and no other promises or representations have been made to cause
Employee to sign it.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 	 	 	THE DOLAN COMPANY
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	By:	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Employee Signature	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	Title:	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Employee Name (print)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Dated:

	 	 	 	Dated:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

B-4exv10w45

Exhibit 10.45

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), effective as of July 12, 2010 (the “Effective
Date”), is between The Dolan Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Renee Jackson
(“Executive”).

PRELIMINARY RECITAL

     Beginning with the Effective Date, the Company desires to employ Executive and Executive
desires to be employed by the Company as the Vice President and General Counsel of the Company on
the terms and conditions contained herein.

AGREEMENT

     In consideration of the premises, the mutual covenants of the parties hereinafter set forth
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Employment.

     1.1 Engagement of Executive. The Company agrees to employ Executive as the Vice
President and General Counsel of the Company and Executive accepts such employment by the Company
for a period of two (2) years beginning on the Effective Date and ending on July 12, 2012 (the
“Employment Period”); provided, however, that, effective on July 13, 2011, the Employment Period
shall, on a daily basis, be automatically extended by one (1) day, such that at any time, the
remaining Employment Period shall be one (1) year; provided further that such day-to-day extensions
shall cease in the event either the Company or Executive, as the case may be, provides written
notice of such cessation to the other party and such cessation of the automatic extensions shall be
effective as of the date of delivery of such notice as determined pursuant to Section 5.2 below.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Employment Period is subject to
termination by the Company or Executive pursuant to Section 3 below.

     1.2 Duties and Powers.

          (a) Service with the Company. During the Employment Period, Executive shall (i) serve
as the Company’s Vice President and General Counsel and shall report directly to the Chief
Operating Officer and, indirectly, to the Chief Executive Officer and (ii) have such other
responsibilities, duties and authorities, and render such other services for the Company, that are
consistent with Executive’s position as Vice President and General Counsel, as the Chief Operating
Officer or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time reasonably direct.

          (b) Service with Subsidiaries and other Affiliates. During the Employment Period,
Executive shall (i) have such responsibilities, duties and authorities, and render such services
for the Company’s subsidiaries and other affiliates that are consistent with Executive’s position
as Vice President and General Counsel of the Company, as the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief
Operating Officer may from time to time reasonably direct; and (ii) at the reasonable request of
the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer, serve as the Vice President and General
Counsel or director of each subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company; provided that
Executive shall not be entitled to any additional compensation for serving as an officer or
director of the Company’s subsidiaries and other affiliates.

          (c) Performance of Duties. Executive will devote her best efforts, energies and
abilities and her full business time, skill and attention (except for permitted vacation periods
and reasonable periods of illness) to the business and affairs of the Company, its subsidiaries and
other affiliates and shall perform the duties and carry out the responsibilities assigned to her,
to the best of her ability and in a diligent, trustworthy, businesslike and efficient manner.
Executive acknowledges that her duties and responsibilities will require her full-time business
efforts and agrees that during the Employment Period she will not engage in any other business
activity or have any business

 

 

pursuits or interests, except activities or interests which do not conflict with the business
of the Company, its subsidiaries and other affiliates and do not interfere with the performance of
Executive’s duties hereunder; provided that Executive shall be permitted to (i) continue to
serve on civic and charitable boards and committees (provided that in July of each year hereunder,
Executive furnishes the Board with a list of the civic and charitable boards and committees that
Executive is then serving on) and (ii) manage her personal investments and affairs, in each case so
long as the activities referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above otherwise comply with the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this Section 1.2(c); provided
further that Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board, be
permitted to serve on any for profit entity’s board of directors or committee or hold any similar
position with respect to any such entity.

2. Compensation.

          2.1 Base Salary. Beginning on July 12, 2010 and ending December 31, 2010, the Company
will pay Executive a base salary (“Base Salary”) at the annual rate of $250,000. For the calendar
year beginning January 1, 2011, and for each subsequent calendar year during the Employment Period,
the Company will pay Executive a Base Salary equal to the Base Salary for the previous calendar
year increased by the positive percentage change, if any, in the CPI (as defined below) from the
month of December from two (2) years prior to the month of December from the previous year (e.g.,
the Base Salary effective for the 2011 calendar year will be equal to the Base Salary from 2010
increased by an amount equal to the positive percentage change, if any, in the CPI from the month
of December in 2009 to the month of December in 2010). The Base Salary shall be payable in regular
installments in accordance with the Company’s general payroll practices for salaried employees. For
purposes hereof, “CPI,” for any month of December, means Consumer Price Index for All Urban
Consumers, U.S. City Average, all items, not seasonally adjusted, for such month and compiled upon
data (with the base 1982-84 equals 100) for such month (the “Index”). In the event that publication
or issuance of the Index is discontinued or suspended, the CPI shall be an index published or
issued by the United States Department of Labor or any bureau or agency thereof that computes
information from substantially the same statistical categories and substantially the same
geographic areas as those computed in the Index and that weights such categories in a substantially
similar way to the weighting of the Index at the Effective Date. In the event that the Index is
calculated upon a base year other than 1982-84, such adjustments to the CPI for each calendar year
shall be calculated as necessary to ensure that the CPI for each such calendar year is based on the
same Index. Executive’s Base Salary shall be subject to annual review by the Compensation Committee
of the Board (the “Committee”) and may be further increased (but not decreased) from time to time
as the Board determines.

     2.2 Annual Bonus. During the Employment Period, in addition to the Base Salary,
Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual performance-based cash bonus (“Annual Bonus”) with
respect to each fiscal year of the Company. The Annual Bonus shall be based upon quantitative and
qualitative performance targets. Those targets, as well as the Annual Bonus target amount, shall be
established by the Committee in its sole discretion in accordance with the Company’s annual bonus
plan; provided that the amount of Executive’s Annual Bonus for the year ending December 31,
2010 shall be $125,000; and provided further that Executive’s Annual Bonus target amount
for the year ending December 31, 2011 shall be 50% of her base salary. The Annual Bonus for a
fiscal year shall be paid to Executive in a cash lump sum in accordance with the terms of the
Company’s annual bonus plan, but in any event shall be paid within two and one-half months after
the end of such fiscal year.

     2.3 Benefits. In addition to the Base Salary and Annual Bonus (if any) payable to
Executive hereunder, Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation time per year
hereunder; club membership(s) as may be approved from time to time by the Committee; and all other
pension, welfare and fringe benefits and perquisites that are generally made available to other
senior executive officers of the Company (to the extent possible under applicable law) during the
Employment Period (the “Benefits”); provided that the Company does not guarantee the
adoption or continuance of any particular benefit plan or program or particular benefit.

     2.4 Equity Awards.

          (a) The Company will grant to Executive non-qualified stock options to purchase 13,242 shares
of the common stock, par value $.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), of the Company, pursuant to
the Company’s 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Incentive Compensation Plan”). Such stock
options will be granted on the date

2

 

(the “Grant Date”) that is the first “Trading Day” (as defined in the Incentive Compensation
Plan) of the next period during which equity awards may be made consistent with the Company’s
applicable guidelines for the timing of such awards, which period is expected to commence during
August 2010. Such stock options will have an exercise price per share equal to the Fair Market
Value (as defined in the Incentive Compensation Plan) of a share of Common Stock on the Grant Date,
and the stock options will vest in the amount of 25% on each of the dates May 26, 2011, May 26,
2012, May 26, 2013 and May 26, 2014.

          (b) The Company will grant to Executive on the Grant Date (i) 10,000 shares of restricted
stock under the Incentive Compensation Plan, all of which will vest on June 30, 2011 and (ii) 8,103
shares of restricted stock under the Incentive Compensation Plan that will vest in the amount of
25% on each of the dates May 26, 2011, May 26, 2012, May 26, 2013 and May 26, 2014.

          (c) Executive will be eligible to receive further grants of equity awards during the term of
this Agreement at the sole discretion of the Committee.

          (d) Upon the occurrence of any event satisfying the definition of a “Change in Control” under
the Incentive Compensation Plan with respect to any unvested equity award then held by Executive,
such equity award shall become vested.

     2.5 Reimbursement of Expenses. The Company shall pay or reimburse Executive for
reasonable expenses incurred in the discharge of her duties hereunder, in accordance with the
Company’s executive expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time. Executive shall
provide the Company with such vouchers or receipts as the Company deems reasonably necessary to
verify the amount of such expenses.

     2.6 Taxes, etc. All compensation payable to Executive hereunder is stated in gross
amount and shall be subject to all applicable withholding taxes, other normal payroll deductions
and any other amounts required by law to be withheld.

     2.7 Legal Fees and Expenses. The Company shall pay to Executive all reasonable legal
fees and expenses incurred by Executive in disputing in good faith any termination of her
employment hereunder or in seeking in good faith to obtain or enforce any benefit or right under
this Agreement, provided that Executive shall have a reasonable basis for her position. Without
limiting the generality of the forgoing, if any amount is not paid hereunder when due, including,
but not limited to, any amount of Base Salary, Annual Bonus (if any), fees or expenses, the amount
thereof shall bear interest from the due date thereof until paid in full at the rate of 10% per
annum; provided, however, that the reimbursement for fees and expenses pursuant to this Section 2.7
shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such
legal fees or expenses were incurred. This Section 2.7 shall remain in effect throughout the
Employment Period and for a period of five (5) years following the termination of the Employment
Period.

3. Termination.

     3.1 Termination.

          (a) The Employment Period (i) shall automatically terminate immediately upon Executive’s
death, (ii) may be terminated at any time by the Board as set forth herein for Cause or without
Cause, or by reason of Executive’s Permanent Disability, upon written notice to Executive, (iii)
may be terminated at any time by Executive with Good Reason upon written notice to the Company, or
(iv) may be terminated at any time by Executive without Good Reason and without liability upon
thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company.

          (b) In addition to the capitalized terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following
capitalized terms shall have the following meanings when used in this Agreement:

     “Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

          (i) a material breach by Executive of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, which
breach remains uncured ten (10) days after receipt by Executive of written notice of such breach;

3

 

          (ii) Executive continues to willfully and materially fail to perform her duties hereunder, or
engages in excessive absenteeism unrelated to illness or permitted vacation, ten (10) days after a
written demand for performance is delivered to Executive by the Board or its representative, which
written demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that Executive has
not performed Executive’s duties;

          (iii) Executive’s commission of theft, fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement in connection
with the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ or affiliates’ business; or

          (iv) Executive’s commission of criminal misconduct constituting a felony;

          provided that, the definition of “Cause” hereunder shall supersede any definition of
“cause” contained in any employee benefit or incentive compensation plan or agreement now or
hereafter adopted by the Company and applicable to Executive that provides for a forfeiture or
payment upon the Executive’s violation of a Company policy or similar such conduct under such plan
or agreement.

     “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without Executive’s express written consent, of any of the
following events; provided, however, that Executive gives the Company written
notice of circumstances giving rise to any of the following events no later than ninety (90) days
after the date that such circumstances come into existence; and provided further that any
termination of Executive’s employment for Good Reason, as a result of any such event or condition
that is not timely cured, must occur no later than the second anniversary of the date that such
event occurs: (i) the Company moves its principal offices from the Minneapolis-St. Paul
metropolitan area and requires Executive to relocate to the vicinity of such new offices; (ii) any
material diminution by the Company in Executive’s duties or responsibilities inconsistent with the
terms hereof, which diminution remains uncured thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of
written notice of such breach; (iii) the Company materially breaches any of its obligations
hereunder, which breach remains uncured thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of written
notice of such breach; (iv) a diminution in Executive’s Base Salary, a material diminution in the
target amount of any Annual Bonus, or a material diminution in Benefits available to Executive on
the Effective Date or as hereafter may be made available to Executive, other than, in each case
under this clause (iv): (x) any such diminution that is cured within thirty (30) days after receipt
by the Company of written notice of such diminution, or (y) any diminution of Benefits that also
applies to the other senior executives of the Company.

     “Permanent Disability” as used herein shall mean that (i) Executive has begun receiving
disability income insurance payments under any disability income insurance policy that the Company
is then maintaining for the benefit of executive-level employees or (ii) if the Company is not then
maintaining disability income insurance for executive-level employees, Executive is unable to
perform, by reason of physical or mental incapacity, her duties or obligations under this Agreement
for a period of sixty (60) days in any consecutive 120-day period. The Board shall determine,
according to the facts then available, whether and when Executive’s Permanent Disability has
occurred. Such determination shall be reasonable and the Board, in making such determination, shall
take into consideration the opinion of Executive’s personal physician, if reasonably available.

     “Person” means any individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint
venture, trust, or other entity.

     “Separation from Service” means Executive’s termination of employment from the Company which
constitutes a “separation from service,” as such term is defined under Section 409A of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or applicable guidance or regulations thereunder.

     3.2 Compensation After Termination. (a) If the Employment Period is terminated (i) by
reason of Executive’s death, (ii) by the Company for Cause or by reason of Executive’s Permanent
Disability, or (iii) by Executive without Good Reason, then the Company shall have no further
obligations hereunder, including under Section 2, or otherwise with respect to Executive’s
employment from and after the termination date, except (x) for payment of Executive’s Base Salary
and Benefits accrued through the date of termination and any Annual Bonus due pursuant to Section
2.2 for the immediately preceding fiscal year to the extent unpaid on the date of such termination,
and (y) in the event the Employment Period is terminated due to Executive’s death or Permanent
Disability, Executive

4

 

shall receive a pro rata Annual Bonus as provided in Section 3.2(b)(iv), and the Company shall
continue to have all other rights available hereunder at law, in equity or otherwise in connection
with such termination; provided, however, such pro rata Annual Bonus, if any, shall
be paid at such time as such Annual Bonus would normally be required to be paid under the Company’s
annual bonus plan, subject to Section 2.2; provided further, that if the Employment
Period is terminated by reason of Executive’s Permanent Disability and such pro rata Annual Bonus
would be payable under the Company’s annual bonus plan earlier than the date which is six (6)
months following the date on which Executive incurs a Separation from Service with the Company,
payment of such Annual Bonus shall be made on the date which is six (6) months following
Executive’s Separation from Service.

     (b) If the Employment Period is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive with
Good Reason, then, in either case, the Company shall pay, or provide, to Executive:

          (i) Executive’s Base Salary and Benefits accrued through the date of termination;

          (ii) any Annual Bonus due pursuant to Section 2.2 for the immediately preceding fiscal year to
the extent unpaid on the date of such termination;

          (iii) an amount equal to one (1) year of the annual Base Salary in effect at the time the
Executive incurs such termination (determined without regard for any diminution in such Base Salary
constituting Good Reason for Executive’s resignation), payable to Executive in a lump sum on the
date which is six (6) months following Executive’s Separation from Service; and

          (iv) a pro-rated portion (based upon the number of days elapsed in the fiscal year in which
the Employment Period is terminated through the date of such termination) of the Annual Bonus, if
any, that would have been payable to Executive for such fiscal year pursuant to Section 2.2
(determined without regard for any diminution in the target amount of such Annual Bonus opportunity
constituting Good Reason for Executive’s resignation) had Executive remained employed by the
Company for the entire fiscal year. Such pro rata Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid at such time
as such Annual Bonus would normally be required to be paid under the Company’s annual bonus plan,
subject to Section 2.2; provided, however, that if such pro rata Annual Bonus would
be payable under the Company’s annual bonus plan earlier than the date which is six (6) months
following the date on which Executive incurs a Separation from Service with the Company, payment of
such Annual Bonus shall be made on the date which is six (6) months following Executive’s
Separation from Service; provided that the Company’s obligation under Sections 3.2(b)(iii)
and (iv) is contingent on Executive’s execution, delivery and non-rescission of a general release
of all claims against the Company in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.

If the Company does not execute and deliver any such release to Executive at least sixty (60) days
before the end of the six (6) month period following Executive’s Separation from Service, the
Company shall be deemed to have elected not to require Executive’s execution of such a release. If
the Company shall have timely executed and delivered such a release to Executive, and Executive
either fails to execute and deliver the release to the Company at least thirty (30) days before the
end of that six (6) month period, or she does so but rescinds such release before any payment is
otherwise due under Section 3.2(b)(iii) or Section 3.2(b)(iv), the Company shall have no
obligations under Sections 3.2(b)(iii) and (iv). Except for the Company’s obligations, if any,
under this Section 3.2(b) and as otherwise provided in Section 3.3, the Company shall have no
further obligations hereunder, including under Section 2, or otherwise with respect to Executive’s
employment, from and after the termination date.

     3.3 Continuation of Medical and Dental Benefits. (a) If the Employment Period is
terminated (i) by the Company without Cause or (ii) by Executive with Good Reason, then, during the
eighteen (18) months following such termination (such period, the “Benefits Period”), the Company
shall provide medical and dental benefits to Executive and her covered dependents on the same terms
and conditions as if Executive continued to remain an active employee of the Company (in all events
below determined without regard for any diminution of such coverage constituting Good Reason for
her resignation hereunder), subject to Executive timely electing coverage pursuant to the
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) on the following terms
and conditions:

          (A) So long as the terms of the medical and dental plan (the “Medical Plan”) under which the
medical and dental benefits are provided allow Executive’s continued participation therein, the
Company will continue to

5

 

offer Executive medical and dental coverage substantially equivalent to the medical and dental
coverage which Executive was receiving immediately prior to such termination;

          (B) If during the Benefits Period Executive is no longer eligible to receive the medical and
dental coverage provided under subparagraph (A) under the Medical Plan but is eligible for a
conversion option providing comparable benefits (with full coverage credit for any preexisting
condition limitation) as those provided to Executive and her covered dependents under the Medical
Plan as she was receiving immediately prior to such termination, then Executive shall exercise such
conversion option if directed by the Company and the Company shall thereafter pay the premium for
such medical and dental coverage to be provided under such conversion option for the duration of
the Benefits Period; and

          (C) If during the Benefits Period Executive and her covered dependents are no longer eligible
to receive medical and dental coverage under the Medical Plan and are not eligible (or are no
longer eligible) for conversion coverage under the Medical Plan, in both cases comparable to such
coverage that Executive and her covered dependents were receiving immediately prior to such
termination as provided under subparagraphs (A) and (B) above, then the Company shall reimburse
Executive for the duration of the Benefits Period for the premiums that Executive incurs to acquire
medical and dental coverage which is comparable to the medical and dental coverage which Executive
was receiving immediately prior to the end of coverage under the Medical Plan or conversion option.

     (b) Any medical and dental coverage provided by the Company under this Section 3.3 shall run
simultaneously with any benefits to which Executive or her dependents may be entitled under COBRA.

     3.4 Payment Delay. Any amount to be paid or benefit to be provided by the Company to
the Executive under Section 3.2 (and any other payment under this Agreement made in connection with
Executive’s termination of employment except for payments made under Section 3.3) which is deferred
compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code or applicable guidance or regulations thereunder,
shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum on the date which is six (6) months following the date of
Executive’s Separation from Service.

     3.5 No Mitigation; No Set-Off. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided
for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by
any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action (provided Executive
enters into and does not rescind the general release provided in Section 3.2(b) and subject to the
proviso in the succeeding sentence) which the Company may have against Executive or others, other
than any action the Company may need to take pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by
way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement
and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment;
provided that the Company’s obligation under Section 3.3 with respect to medical and dental
benefits shall be limited to the extent that Executive obtains any such medical or dental benefits
from another employer during the benefit continuation period provided thereunder, in which case the
Company may reduce the coverage of any medical and dental benefits it is required to provide
Executive under Section 3.3 as long as the aggregate coverages of the combined benefits provided by
the Company and such other employer are comparable to the benefits to be provided to Executive by
the Company under Section 3.3. The provisions of this Section 3.5 shall survive the expiration or
earlier termination of this Agreement for any reason.

     3.6 Change in Control Plan. Effective on the date of this Agreement, Executive will
be designated as a Participant under the Company’s Executive Change in Control Plan at an Employee
Grade of Two.

4. Negative Covenants.

     4.1 Confidential Information. Other than in the performance of her duties hereunder,
during the Employment Period and thereafter, Executive shall keep secret and retain in strictest
confidence, and shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board, furnish, make available
or disclose to any third party or use for Executive’s own benefit or the benefit of any third
party, any Confidential Information. As used herein, “Confidential Information” shall mean any
information relating to the business or affairs of the Company, including, but not limited to, the
Company’s products, servicing methods, development plans, costs, finances, marketing plans,
equipment

6

 

configurations, data, data bases, access or security codes or procedures, business
opportunities, names of customers, research and development, inventions, algorithms, know-how and
ideas, and other proprietary information used by the Company in connection with its business;
provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not include any information
which is in the public domain or becomes generally known in the industry other than as a result of
Executive’s breach of the covenant contained in this Section 4.1 or the disclosure of which may be
required by law or in a judicial or administrative proceeding. Executive acknowledges that the
Confidential Information is vital, sensitive, confidential and proprietary to the Company.

     4.2 Non-Competition and Interference with Relationships.

          (a) During the Employment Period and for a period of twelve (12) months following the
expiration or earlier termination of the Employment Period (the “Restricted Term”), except as
permitted by paragraph (c) of this Section 4.2, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, alone
or in combination with any other firm, partnership, company, corporation or person, (i) engage in,
participate in or otherwise assist (whether as an owner, officer, partner, principal, joint
venturer, shareholder, director, member, manager, investor, employee, agent, independent
contractor, consultant or otherwise) any other person, entity or business (a “Competitor”) engaged
in or planning to engage in the Business of the Company (as defined below) in any State of the
United States of America, or in any foreign country in which the Company or an affiliate or
subsidiary of the Company is conducting such Business of the Company on the date of such
termination (the “Restricted Territory”), unless (x) at the time of the proposed action by
Executive, (1) the revenues of any such Competitor from a Business of the Company for the preceding
fiscal year of such Competitor constituted less than fifteen percent (15%) of the total revenues of
such Competitor for such fiscal year and (2) Executive provides the Company with a signed
certificate from the independent accountants for such Competitor stating that, in such independent
accountants’ good faith reasonable judgment, the annual revenues of such Competitor from a Business
of the Company will be less than fifteen percent (15%) of the total annual revenues of such
Competitor during the Restricted Term, or (y) the sole action of Executive with respect to a
Competitor that is a publicly traded company consists of acquiring not more than 1% of the
outstanding shares of such Competitor; or (ii) solicit or encourage any customer or partner of the
Company or its affiliates (determined as of the date of the termination of the Employment Period)
to terminate or otherwise alter his, her or its relationship with the Company.

          (b) During the Restricted Term, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, alone or in
combination with any other firm, partnership, company, corporation or person, employ, retain or
solicit or attempt to solicit for employment or retention as an independent contractor, or
otherwise attempt to hire, persuade or assist in the hiring of (or assist any other party to take
any such action regarding), any individual employed or engaged by the Company during the Restricted
Term; or encourage, induce, or persuade any such person to terminate her or her employment or other
relationship with the Company.

          (c) As it relates to the practice of law, this Section 4.2 shall be interpreted consistently
with and shall be binding and enforceable only to the extent permitted by the Minnesota Rules of
Professional Conduct or other applicable ethical rules (in Minnesota and other controlling
jurisdictions), if any, including Rule 5.6. The parties acknowledge that the Executive’s legal
representation of a Person engaged in the Business of the Company shall not violate this Section
4.2; provided such legal representation is provided consistently with the Minnesota Rules of
Professional Conduct or other applicable ethical rules (in Minnesota and other controlling
jurisdictions), including Rules 1.6 and 1.9 to the extent applicable.

          (d) For purposes hereof, “Business of the Company” means (i) the “court and commercial”
newspaper and/or “business journal” publishing business, (ii) the business of providing mortgage
default processing services, appellate services and/or litigation support services to the legal
profession, or (iii) any additional business in which the Company becomes engaged or has actively
and substantially implemented plans to become engaged as of the date of termination of the
Employment Period; provided that in the event any of the foregoing businesses are sold or are
discontinued during the Restricted Period, the “Business of the Company” shall cease to include
such sold or discontinued business as of the date of sale or discontinuation; provided further that
if the Company becomes re-engaged or implements plans to become re-engaged in any such sold or
discontinued business, the “Business of the Company” shall again include such business.

7

 

     4.3 Mutual Non-Disparagement. Neither party shall, at any time during the Employment
Period or thereafter, make statements or representations, or otherwise communicate, directly or
indirectly, in writing, orally or otherwise, or take any action which may, directly or indirectly,
disparage or be damaging to the other party (including any of the Company’s subsidiaries, other
affiliates, officers, directors, employees, partners or stockholders); provided that
nothing in this Section 4.3 shall preclude either party from making truthful statements or
disclosures that are required by applicable law, regulation or legal process.

     4.4 Scope and Severability. The parties acknowledge that the Business of the Company
is and will be national and international in scope and thus the covenants in this Section 4 would
be particularly ineffective if the covenants were to be limited to a particular geographic area of
the United States. If any court of competent jurisdiction at any time deems the Restricted Term
unreasonably lengthy, or the Restricted Territory unreasonably extensive, or any of the covenants
set forth in Section 4 not fully enforceable, the other provisions of Section 4, and this Agreement
in general, will nevertheless stand and to the fullest extent consistent with law continue in full
force and effect, and it is the intention and desire of the parties that the court treat any
provisions of this Agreement which are not fully enforceable as having been modified to the extent
deemed necessary by the court to render them reasonable and enforceable and that the court enforce
them to such extent (for example, that the Restricted Term be deemed to be the longest period
permissible by law, but not in excess of the length provided for in Section 4.2, and the Restricted
Territory be deemed to comprise the largest territory permissible by law under the circumstances,
but not in excess of the territory provided for in Section 4.2).

     4.5. Remedies. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants set forth in this
Section 4 (collectively, the “Restrictive Covenants”) are reasonable and necessary for the
protection of the Company’s business interests, that irreparable injury will result to the Company
if Executive breaches any of the terms of the Restrictive Covenants, and that in the event of
Executive’s actual or threatened breach of any of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company will have
no adequate remedy at law. Executive accordingly agrees that in the event of any actual or
threatened breach by her of any of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company shall be entitled to
immediate temporary injunctive and other equitable relief, without bond and without the necessity
of showing actual monetary damages. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as prohibiting the
Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach,
including the recovery of any damages. The provisions of Section 4 shall survive the expiration or
earlier termination of this Agreement for any reason.

5. Miscellaneous.

     5.1 Determinations by the Board or the Committee. Except as specifically provided
herein to the contrary (such as, without limitation, Executive’s rights to appear before the Board
in connection with any determination of Cause with respect to a termination of the Employment
Period by the Company), with respect to any determinations to be made by the Board or the Committee
in connection with Executive’s employment hereunder, Executive shall not have the right to
participate in the deliberations of such determination and shall abstain from any vote of the Board
or the Committee with respect thereto.

     5.2 Notices. Any notices required hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed
delivered upon actual receipt (or refusal to accept receipt) and may be sent by (i) personal
delivery, (ii) U.S. certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or (iii) reputable
overnight air courier service; for the Company, to the address listed below or for the Executive,
to the last address on file with the Company (or such other addresses as may be designated by
either party by giving notice in accordance with this Section 5.2):

To the Company:

The Dolan Company

222 South Ninth Street, Suite 2300

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

			
	                     Attention:	 	James Dolan, President and CEO

John Bergstrom, Compensation Committee

     5.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the complete agreement and understanding
among the parties and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or
representations by or among the

8

 

parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way,
including, without limitation, the Prior Agreement.

     5.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile or email transmission
and on separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and both of which taken
together constitute one and the same agreement.

     5.5 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by Executive and the Company and their respective successors and
permitted assigns. Executive may not assign any of her rights or obligations hereunder without the
written consent of the Company.

     5.6 Amendments and Waivers. Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived
only with the prior written consent of the Company and Executive.

     5.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with,
and all questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and performance of this
Agreement shall be governed by, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to
provisions thereof regarding conflict of laws.

     5.8 Section 409A. It is intended that any income or payments to Executive provided
pursuant to this Agreement (any such income or payments being referred to as “Payments”) will not
be subject to the additional tax and interest under Section 409A (a “Section 409A Tax”). The
provisions of the Agreement will be interpreted and construed in favor of complying with any
applicable requirements of Section 409A necessary in order to avoid the imposition of a Section
409A Tax. The Company and Executive agree to amend (including retroactively) the Agreement in order
to comply with Section 409A, including amending to facilitate the ability of Executive to avoid the
imposition of, or reduce the amount of, any Section 409A Tax. The Company and Executive shall
reasonably cooperate to provide full effect to this provisions and the consent to any amendment
described in the preceding sentence shall not be unreasonably withheld by either party. The parties
agree that neither party has (a) an obligation to bring any potential Section 409A Tax to the
attention of the other party or (b) any liability for any Section 409A Tax or any other reporting
or withholding obligation to the other party.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first
written above.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	COMPANY:

THE DOLAN COMPANY
 	 
	 	
/s/ James P. Dolan	 
		James P. Dolan 	 
	 	Chief Executive Officer and President 	 
	 
	 	EXECUTIVE:
 	 
	 	
/s/ Renee Jackson	 
	 	Renee Jackson 	 
	 	 	 
	 

9

 

EXHIBIT A

RELEASE

     THIS RELEASE (this “Release”) is made as of this _____ day of _____ , _____ , by and
between The Dolan Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Renee Jackson (“Executive”).

PRELIMINARY RECITALS

     A. Executive and the Company entered into that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of July
12, 2010 (the “Agreement”).

     B. Executive’s employment with the Company as Vice President and General Counsel has
terminated.

     C. In connection with the termination of Executive’s employment, under the Agreement,
Executive is entitled to certain payments and other benefits, subject to Executive’s execution,
delivery and non-rescission of this Release.

AGREEMENT

     In consideration of the payments and other benefits due Executive under the Agreement, and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1. Executive, intending to be legally bound, does hereby, on behalf of herself and her agents,
representatives, attorneys, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators (collectively, the
“Executive Parties”) REMISE, RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE the Company, its affiliates,
subsidiaries, parents, joint ventures, and its and their officers, directors, shareholders,
members, managers and employees, and its and their respective successors and assigns, heirs,
executors, and administrators (collectively, the “Company Parties”) from all causes of action,
suits, debts, claims and demands whatsoever in law or in equity, which Executive or any of the
Executive Parties ever had, now has, or hereafter may have, by reason of any matter, cause or thing
whatsoever, through the date of this Release, and particularly, but without limitation of the
foregoing general terms, any claims arising from or relating in any way to Executive’s employment
relationship with Company, the terms and conditions of that employment relationship, and the
termination of that employment relationship, including, but not limited to, any claims arising
under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq., Title
VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., the Civil Rights Act of
1966, 42 U.S.C. ‘ 1981, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, Pub. L. No. 102-166, the Americans with
Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. ‘ 201 et seq.,
the National Labor Relations Act, 29 U.S.C. ‘ 151 et seq., the Constitution for the State of
Minnesota or the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and any other claims under any federal, state or local
common law, statutory, or regulatory provision, now or hereafter recognized, and any claims for
reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, but not including such claims to payments, benefits and other
rights provided Executive under the Agreement or as may be due Executive under any employee benefit
plan of the Company in accordance with the terms of such plan. This Release is effective without
regard to the legal nature of the claims raised and without regard to whether any such claims are
based upon tort, equity, implied or express contract or discrimination of any sort. Except as
specifically provided herein, it is expressly understood and agreed that this Release shall operate
as a clear and unequivocal waiver by Executive of any claim for accrued or unpaid wages, benefits
or any other type of payment.

     2. Executive, on behalf of herself and the Executive Parties, agrees never to bring (or cause
or permit to be brought) any action or proceeding against the Company or any Company Party,
regarding employment, discrimination in employment, or the termination of employment, and the
common law of any state relating to employment contracts, wrongful discharge, public policy torts,
remuneration in employment, or any other matter released pursuant to Section 1. Executive agrees
that in the event that any claim, suit or action released by this

 

 

Release shall be commenced by her or any of the Executive Parties against the Company or any
Company Party, this Release shall constitute a complete defense to any such claim, suit or action
so instituted.

     3. Executive hereby covenants and agrees, on behalf of herself and the Executive Parties, that
neither she nor any of the Executive Parties will encourage any person or entity to file a lawsuit,
claim or complaint against the Company or any Company Party relating to the claims released by this
Release. Executive hereby covenants and agrees, on behalf of herself and the Executive Parties,
that neither she nor any of the Executive Parties will assist any person or entity who files or has
filed a lawsuit, claim, or complaint against the Company or any Company Party relating to the
claims released under this Release unless Executive or such Executive Party is required to render
such assistance pursuant to a lawful subpoena or other legal obligation. If Executive or any
Executive Party is served with any such legal subpoena or becomes subject to any such legal
obligation, Executive shall provide prompt written notice to the Company thereof and enclose a copy
of the subpoena and any other documents describing the legal obligation with such written notice.

     4. Executive further agrees and recognizes that she has permanently and irrevocably severed
her employment relationship with the Company, that she shall not seek employment with the Company
or any affiliated entity at any time in the future, and that the Company has no obligation to
employ her in the future.

     5. The parties agree and acknowledge that the Agreement, and the settlement and termination of
any asserted or unasserted claims against the Company and the Company Parties pursuant to this
Release, are not and shall not be construed to be an admission of any violation of any federal,
state or local statute or regulation, or of any duty owed by the Company or any of the Company
Parties to Executive.

     6. Executive certifies and acknowledges as follows:

          (a) That she has read the terms of this Release, and that she understands its terms and
effects, including the fact that she has agreed to RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE the Company and
all Company Parties from any legal action or other liability of any type related in any way to the
matters released pursuant to this Release other than as provided in the Agreement and in this
Release;

          (b) That she has signed this Release voluntarily and knowingly in exchange for the
consideration described herein, which she acknowledges is adequate and satisfactory to her and
which she acknowledges is in addition to any other benefits to which she is otherwise entitled;

          (c) That she has been advised in writing to consult with an attorney prior to signing this
Release;

          (d) That she does not waive rights or claims that may arise after the date this Release is
executed other than those claims arising under the Agreement or any employee benefit plan of the
Company in accordance with the terms of such plan;

          (e) That the Company has provided her with a period of twenty-one (21) days within which to
consider this Release, and that Executive has signed on the date indicated below after concluding
that this Release is satisfactory to her; and

          (f) That she has fifteen (15) calendar days after signing this Release within which to rescind
this Release, in writing and delivered to the Company.

 

 

     Intending to be legally bound hereby, Executive and the Company executed the foregoing Release
this _____ day of _____ , _____ .

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	Renee Jackson
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Witness:
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	THE DOLAN COMPANY
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	Name:	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	Title:	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Witness:

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00186-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00186-of-00352.parquet"}]]