Sold company, need help to invest proceeds

[westcoast1]

Hello all -

I have lurked on this forum for awhile but never had any assets to invest until now. I was fortunate to be a very early employee at a software company that was just acquired. I will receive cash for my shares some time next week. Despite my lurking, I am really not sure how to invest this money and would appreciate any advice out there.

Here's what I receive...

Up front - $1.2m post-tax
After 12 months - $500k post-tax
After 24 months - $250k post-tax
After 36 months - $500k post-tax

I earn the $500k and $250k payments as long as I remain employed with the company, which I plan to.

Right now my best guess is some % allocation into equities (domestic, emerging market, etc...) and bonds. What is an appropriate allocation? What is the best way to actually buy the securities?

Also, given the instability in the market, would you invest the initial $1.2m all at once or would you DCA in over some time period (3/6/12 months maybe)?

I don't need to touch any of this cash or have it available for emergencies. My salary covers all my expenses and I have a suitable e-fund. My goal is to leave this cash where it is and grow it to the point where I can reach financial independence in my 40s. I am 27 right now.

Thanks,
Adam