With more than 35 years of legal experience, Jim’s principal area of practice is employee benefits law, representing private and public sector employers of all sizes. Jim works with the IRS and Department of Labor (DOL) on client plan audits, and he frequently speaks on employee benefits and fiduciary issues at institutions, such as the National Trust School and the Southeastern Trust School, and regional seminars.
He has extensive experience in:
- Designing and preparing qualified retirement plans (including 401(k) plans, defined benefit pension plans, and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs))
- Nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements and equity compensation for employees and executives
- Advising employers on their fiduciary responsibilities under federal and state law
- Counseling clients through the current maze of medical plan laws and regulations
Away from the office, Jim enjoys working on the libretto for his opera "King Solomon's Mimes," expanding his collection of out-of-date PCs, and traveling. His most enjoyable experiences include picking peas for the Green Giant while in college, and daily, overcoming the general perversity of inanimate objects.
Education
J.D., George Washington University, 1980
B.A., Wake Forest University, 1977
Professional Associations
- North Carolina Bar Association
- North Carolina Bankers Association
- Habitat for Humanity
- Operation Christmas Child
- University City United Methodist Church, former Chairman Capital Campaign, 2002
Honors
- AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
- Chambers USA, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (North Carolina), 2021 – 2024
- 2009 North Carolina Law Impact Leader, Business Leader, North Carolina Legal Guide
Representative Matters
- “Benefits Spring Clean-Up,” WorkCite, March 17, 2008
- “New DOL Disclosure Rules Alter Plan Administration Landscapes,” WorkCite, January 3, 2008
- “Final Code Section 409A Regulations: Key Planning Pointers for the Road Ahead,” WorkCite, May 4, 2007
- “Automatic Everything 401(K) Plans,” WorkCite, March 2, 2007