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 Chair of the firm’s Employee Benefits & ERISA Practice Group, Q counsels clients on a wide range of employee benefit and executive compensation plans and arrangements, including retirement, deferred compensation, health and welfare plans, and compliance for such plans with applicable law, including ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He advises clients on formation, operation, and, where applicable, termination of such plans, including plan design issues, operational compliance with ERISA and the Code, correction of plan errors, representing employers/plan sponsors in matters before the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor (e.g., EPCRS, VFCP, employer mandate assessments under the ACA), as well as advising on plan-related litigation, benefit plan issues in mergers and acquisitions, and investment by “benefit plan investors” in private equity vehicles and compliance with the Department of Labor’s “plan assets regulations.” In addition to 401(k), 403(b), defined benefit plans and 409A matters, Q also regularly counsels clients on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), including implementing and leveraging an ESOP to acquire a plan sponsor company, or the sale to a third-party buyer of the stock or substantially all of the assets of a company owned by an ESOP. Q is also experienced in advising on voluntary employees’ beneficiary associations (VEBAs).
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. in Taxation 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, with Honors in the Liberal Arts. Active in the 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 Dallas Sports Commission Regional Spelling Bee.
