Greg M. Daugherty

For businesses, publicly traded companies, privately held firms, and nonprofit organizations across Ohio, managing the complexities of employee benefits and executive compensation is a critical strategic imperative. These areas are not only vital for attracting and retaining top talent but are also heavily regulated by federal and state laws, demanding specialized legal expertise. In Columbus, Ohio, Greg M. Daugherty stands as a highly respected and experienced attorney with a dedicated focus on these intricate fields. As a partner and a key figure in his firm, Greg M. Daugherty possesses extensive experience assisting employers with the design, implementation, and ongoing compliance of a wide array of benefit plans, including qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and executive incentive programs. He is particularly renowned for his deep expertise in Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), helping business owners with their succession planning needs through these unique structures. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Greg M. Daugherty's legal practice, highlighting his areas of specialization, the extensive services he offers, and why he is an indispensable resource for any employer in the Ohio region seeking sophisticated and reliable legal counsel to navigate the constantly evolving landscape of employee benefits and executive compensation, ensuring both compliance and strategic advantage.

Greg M. Daugherty's practice is conveniently located at 41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. This prominent address places his office in the bustling heart of downtown Columbus, offering exceptional accessibility for clients throughout the city and extending to broader areas across Ohio. Being in a central business district provides numerous advantages, including easy access via major roadways, making it a straightforward drive for those coming from various parts of the state. For local clients utilizing public transportation, the downtown area is well-served by various transit options, providing a convenient and environmentally friendly way to access his services. Additionally, ample parking facilities are typically available nearby, contributing to a hassle-free visit for clients. This prime and central location underscores Greg M. Daugherty’s commitment to serving the Ohio business community, ensuring that expert legal counsel in employee benefits and executive compensation is readily available and easily accessible for businesses navigating these intricate legal fields. His office location facilitates convenient and productive consultations for companies seeking his specialized guidance.

Greg M. Daugherty offers a comprehensive and specialized range of legal services primarily focused on employee benefits and executive compensation matters. His expertise is crucial for companies of all sizes, from publicly traded entities to privately held businesses and nonprofit organizations. His key service areas include:

• Qualified Retirement Plans: Advising on the design, implementation, and ongoing compliance of various qualified retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, profit-sharing plans, and defined benefit pension plans, ensuring adherence to ERISA and Internal Revenue Code regulations.

• Nonqualified Deferred Compensation and Executive Compensation: Structuring and advising on complex executive compensation arrangements, including nonqualified deferred compensation plans (with a focus on Section 409A compliance), stock and non-stock based incentive programs, employment agreements, severance agreements, and change-in-control provisions.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs): Providing extensive assistance with the design, implementation, and ongoing counsel for ESOPs, including representing companies in stock purchase transactions involving the company, sellers, and the ESOP. He also advises on ESOP financing and ongoing ERISA fiduciary questions for ESOP-owned companies.

• Health and Welfare Plans: Offering counsel on the design and compliance of health, dental, life insurance, and other welfare benefit plans, ensuring adherence to ERISA, COBRA, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

• ERISA Fiduciary Compliance and Litigation: Providing advice related to ERISA fiduciary duties and compliance, and representing clients in ERISA and employee benefits litigation.

• Benefits Issues Related to Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Advising companies on compensation and benefits issues in connection with mergers, acquisitions, and spinoffs, including conducting due diligence on employee benefits aspects of transactions.

• Audits and Correction Programs: Assisting employers with benefit plan correction programs offered by the Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS), helping to rectify compliance issues.

• Business Succession Planning: Assisting business owners with their succession planning needs through the strategic implementation of ESOPs and other benefits-related strategies.

Greg M. Daugherty’s practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore his reputation as a leading attorney in employee benefits and executive compensation in Ohio and beyond:

• Recognized Expertise: He is consistently recognized in "The Best Lawyers in America®" and as an "Ohio Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Edition," indicative of his strong professional standing and peer recognition for his specialized knowledge and effectiveness.

• Deep ESOP Experience: His extensive experience in assisting business owners with succession planning through ESOPs is a significant highlight, positioning him as a go-to expert for this complex and beneficial ownership structure. He is also a member of The ESOP Association's Legislative and Regulatory Issues Advisory Committee.

• Authoritative Contributor to Legal Publications: Greg M. Daugherty frequently contributes to legal blogs and publications, providing timely insights on evolving employee benefits and executive compensation issues, such as SEC money market reform, ESOP valuations, and tax reform impacts on executive compensation. This demonstrates his thought leadership and commitment to staying at the forefront of the field.

• Comprehensive Compliance Focus: He emphasizes not just the design but also the ongoing compliance of benefit plans, providing crucial guidance on ERISA fiduciary compliance, Section 409A issues, and navigating DOL and IRS correction programs.

• Strong Educational Background: Greg earned his J.D., with honors, from The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law in 2004, and a B.S., summa cum laude, from Miami University in 2001, providing a solid academic foundation for his practice.

• Active in Professional Associations: His involvement with organizations like The ESOP Association, Ohio Employee Ownership Center, American Bar Association, and the Columbus Bar Association (where he chaired the Employee Benefits Committee) highlights his engagement with the legal community and dedication to his practice areas.

In the realm of professional legal services, offering direct "promotions" or discounts in the consumer retail sense is not typical due to ethical guidelines and the bespoke nature of legal counsel. However, Greg M. Daugherty provides immense value to his clients through his specialized knowledge and proactive approach to employee benefits and executive compensation. While there are no advertised special offers on legal fees, the benefit of engaging an attorney with his specific expertise is invaluable. His deep understanding of complex and constantly changing laws, such as ERISA, Section 409A, and IRS regulations, means that he can help businesses in Ohio avoid costly compliance errors, penalties, and litigation. Furthermore, his strategic advice on ESOPs and executive compensation can lead to significant tax advantages and improved talent retention for employers. This proactive risk mitigation, combined with strategic benefits planning, often results in substantial long-term savings and increased efficiency for employers. Therefore, the "promotion" for Greg M. Daugherty lies in the strategic advantage and peace of mind that comes from working with a highly recognized and authoritative professional dedicated to the intricacies of employee benefits and executive compensation law, ultimately safeguarding the financial well-being and operational continuity of Ohio businesses.

For businesses and employers in Ohio seeking expert legal assistance with employee benefits, executive compensation, or ESOPs from Greg M. Daugherty, connecting with his office is convenient.

• Address: 41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

• Phone: (614) 227-2005

• Mobile Phone: +1 614-227-2005

It is highly recommended to contact his office by phone to schedule a confidential consultation. This will allow for a dedicated discussion of your specific employee benefits and compensation needs and how Greg M. Daugherty’s extensive experience can best serve your business objectives. His team is prepared to assist with scheduling and provide any further information required for your initial meeting, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

For businesses and organizations throughout the Ohio region, Greg M. Daugherty is an exceptionally suitable and invaluable legal partner for all matters concerning employee benefits, executive compensation, and ESOPs. His profound expertise, combined with consistent recognition in prestigious legal rankings and active involvement in leading industry associations, positions him as a top choice for employers who demand excellence and proactive legal guidance. His central location in Columbus provides convenient access for local businesses, offering a top-tier legal resource right here in Ohio. Whether your business is looking to design new retirement plans, navigate complex executive compensation structures, implement an ESOP for succession planning, or ensure ongoing compliance with ever-changing regulations, partnering with Greg M. Daugherty means securing a highly skilled and strategic advisor. He is committed to helping Ohio employers optimize their benefits programs, attract and retain talent, and operate smoothly within the dynamic legal landscape, ultimately contributing to their long-term success.