From startup ventures to publicly traded companies, James Bristol advises clients on all types of compensation and benefits. Well-versed in federal and state tax rules, ERISA, SEC disclosures, and the myriad regulations that surround benefits and compensation packages, James embraces the challenge of finding solutions that meet the client's goals. Clients who rely on the firm for a variety of corporate and litigation matters appreciate that James adds another layer of service. His experience includes:
· Compensation packages for incoming executives and directors
· Deferred compensation agreements, including 409A, SERPs, rabbi trusts and funding
· Revised compensation packages following a merger or acquisition
· Severance packages for departing executives and directors
· Stock and equity incentive programs, including ESOPs
A creative, convergent thinker, James recognizes that executive benefits issues are complex, not only because of regulatory scrutiny, but also because of the public relations aspect related to shareholder scrutiny. Clients can appreciate that James collaborates with their internal advisors to craft well-rounded solutions.
Best Lawyers recognizes James in the following categories: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - ERISA, Tax Law. He has also served on several occasions as an expert witness on ERISA matters.
Professional
· Member, Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, Washington and American Bar Associations
· Member, Health Law Section and Tax Section of the American Bar Association
· Member, Employee Benefits Committee of ABA Tax Section; active in various subcommittees and meet annually with members and officials from national office of Treasury Dept. and Internal Revenue Service, Employee Plans Division
· Member, ESOP Association, Washington, D.C., NewSouth Chapter Advisory Board
News/Events
ARTICLES
08.12.09, PENSION AND BENEFITS DAILY, "IRS Right to Levy: Seizing and Selling Nontransferrable Options?"
06.09.08, ABA HEALTH E-SOURCE, "Health Savings Accounts: Financial and Other Hurdles"
06.09.08, BNA EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION, "Tightening Section 162(m)'s Performance Pay Requirements: Golden Parachutes Take Another Hit"
05.05.08, BNA EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION BULLETIN, "Tightening Section 162(m)'s Performance Pay Requirements: Golden Parachutes Take Another Hit"
04.30.08, ABA HEALTH LAW BULLETIN, "Health Savings Accounts: Financial and Other Hurdles"
Jul. 2007, INSIDE THE MIND: LEADING LAWYERS "Tax Law Client Strategies"
BULLETINS
05.21.12, Revenue Sharing and Investment Policy Statements: What is a Fiduciary to do?
MEDIA MENTIONS
11.22.11, James Bristol quoted in THE NASHVILLE POST, "Fall of a Nonprofit?"
Community
· Member, Board of Directors, Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Davidson County
· Member, Board of Directors, Knowledge Academies
· Former Member, Board of Directors of the American Lung Association of Tennessee
· Member, Robertson Association and Sennett Society of the United Way
· Pro bono Volunteer, Nashville Bar Association
Up Close
An avid reader, James has enjoyed reading "the classics" from an adult perspective. His favorite novel is Les Miserables, which he describes as a book that will change how you view and judge others. In addition to reading, James enjoys cooking for his children and his dinner club. Grilled salmon and seared steak are two of James' specialties.