Quitman “Q” Stephens is a director in the firm’s Dallas office where he advises clients on matters involving employee benefits, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), executive compensation and healthcare.
As a member of the Employee Benefits & ERISA Practice Group, Q counsels clients on a wide range of employee benefit plans and arrangements, including retirement, deferred compensation, group health and welfare plans, and compliance for such plans with applicable law, including ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He advises regarding formation and operation of such plans, including correction of plan errors, representing plan sponsors in matters before the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor (e.g., EPCRS, VFCP, DFVCP, plan audits, employer mandate assessments under the ACA), as well as advising on plan-related litigation, benefit plan issues in mergers and acquisitions, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), 409A matters, and investment by “benefit plan investors” in private equity vehicles and compliance with the “plan assets regulations.”
As a member of the Healthcare Practice Group, Q works with clients on healthcare compliance matters arising under the ACA, the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the Stark Law, the Civil Monetary Penalties Law, the False Claims Act, the Drug Supply Chain Security Act and the Texas Patient Solicitation Act. Additionally, he advises healthcare providers and practitioners regarding white collar criminal defense matters involving allegations of healthcare fraud and abuse as a member of the Criminal Defense, Compliance & Investigations Practice Group.
Q holds an LL.M. from New York University School of Law and received his Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law where he graduated cum laude. He completed his undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. Active in his community, Q is an avid enthusiast of physical fitness, the Beatles and live music, and speaks fluent French. Since 2004, Q has served as Lead Judge for the Golden Chick/Dallas Sports Commission Regional Spelling Bee.
