Thompson & Knight LLP: Jessica S. Morrison

For businesses, both large and small, public companies, charitable organizations, and individuals navigating the complexities of employee benefits, executive compensation, and taxation, Jessica S. Morrison offers highly specialized and strategic legal counsel. Formerly a valued partner at Thompson & Knight LLP, Ms. Morrison is now a key attorney with Holland & Knight LLP, following the successful merger of the two firms in August 2021. Her practice is primarily based in the Holland & Knight office in Fort Worth, Texas, located at 801 Cherry Street, Unit #1, Burnett Plaza, Suite 1600, 801 Cherry St Suite 2000, Unit #46, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USA. This accessible location in downtown Fort Worth makes her an ideal choice for clients seeking expert legal services within the "Lawyers Near Me" category.

The office environment in Burnett Plaza, a prominent fixture in downtown Fort Worth, provides a professional and well-equipped setting for legal consultations. As part of a large, international law firm like Holland & Knight, the Fort Worth office boasts modern facilities, private meeting rooms designed for confidential discussions, and a robust technological infrastructure. This environment is conducive to handling complex legal matters in employee benefits and taxation, requiring meticulous attention to detail and extensive research. The central location in Fort Worth offers convenience for local businesses and individuals, ensuring easy access to legal services and fostering a collaborative atmosphere between attorney and client. The firm’s culture, as evidenced by Ms. Morrison's previous firm and the combined entity, emphasizes collegiality, mentorship, and a team-oriented approach, benefiting both clients and legal professionals.

Jessica S. Morrison's legal services focus on a crucial and highly specialized area of law: employee benefits and executive compensation, integrated with taxation. Her expertise covers a wide range of services essential for compliance, strategic planning, and dispute resolution related to employee remuneration and benefits packages. These services include:

• Employee Benefits Design and Compliance: Advising on the design, implementation, and administration of various employee benefit plans, including qualified retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)s, pension plans), non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and health and welfare plans. This includes ensuring compliance with ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) and other relevant regulations.
• Executive Compensation: Structuring and negotiating executive compensation arrangements, such as stock options, restricted stock, phantom equity, and severance agreements, while considering complex tax implications (e.g., Sections 409A and 280G of the Internal Revenue Code).
• Taxation of Employee Benefits: Providing comprehensive counsel on the federal income tax consequences of employee benefits, including issues related to fringe benefits, payroll taxes, and golden parachutes.
• Mergers and Acquisitions Due Diligence: Conducting due diligence on employee benefits and executive compensation arrangements in corporate transactions, identifying potential liabilities and ensuring seamless integration.
• Fiduciary Duties and Plan Governance: Advising plan sponsors and fiduciaries on their responsibilities under ERISA and best practices for plan governance.
• Correction Programs: Assisting clients with correcting plan errors through IRS and Department of Labor voluntary compliance programs.

Ms. Morrison's approach is highly client-centric, emphasizing the development of strong relationships to become an integral part of her clients' teams. This collaborative method ensures that her legal advice is tailored to their specific business objectives and long-term goals.

A key feature of Jessica S. Morrison's practice is her deep commitment to both her clients and the broader legal and local communities. She is recognized for her dedication to fostering relationships and providing comprehensive counsel that integrates legal expertise with practical business solutions. Her involvement in various professional and community organizations further distinguishes her:

• American Bar Association (ABA): Ms. Morrison was selected to participate in the prestigious Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Fellows program of the ABA, one of only 10 young lawyers chosen nationwide for this program. This recognition highlights her emerging leadership and expertise within a specialized area of law.
• State Bar of Texas: She serves as a vice chair of the Tax Section Employee Benefits Committee for the State Bar of Texas, demonstrating her active role in shaping legal discussions and policy within her state.
• Tarrant County Bar Association: She is a member of the Women Attorneys Section of the Tarrant County Bar Association, actively participating in initiatives that support women in the legal profession.
• Professional Associations: Her memberships in the SouthWest Benefits Association and the Fort Worth Human Resource Management Association underscore her engagement with the professional communities relevant to her practice areas, keeping her abreast of industry trends and best practices.

Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Morrison is known for her community service. She has served as the president of the board of directors of The Parenting Center and was a Fort Worth City Council appointee to its Community Development Council. She also participated in Steer Fort Worth's Keyholder Program and has contributed to organizations like the American Heart Association and The WARM Place. These commitments reflect her holistic approach to life and her desire to make a lasting impact.

For prospective clients searching for "Lawyers Near Me" in the Fort Worth area with expertise in employee benefits and executive compensation, Jessica S. Morrison offers a compelling profile. While specific promotional "offers" are not typically advertised by attorneys at this level of specialization, the value she provides is immense. Her recognition by the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains as a "Woman of Distinction" and her consistent involvement in professional and community leadership roles speak to her integrity, competence, and client dedication. Engaging an attorney with her credentials means benefiting from not only her legal acumen but also her practical understanding of business operations and her commitment to ethical service. Her background in genetics (cum laude from Texas A&M University) combined with her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law (where she joined Thompson & Knight LLP upon graduation in 2005) further illustrates a sharp analytical mind capable of handling highly technical legal matters.

To connect with Jessica S. Morrison and inquire about her services at Holland & Knight LLP, clients can use the provided contact information:

• Phone: (817) 347-1704
• Mobile Phone: +1 817-347-1704
• Address: 801 Cherry Street, Unit #1, Burnett Plaza, Suite 1600, 801 Cherry St Suite 2000, Unit #46, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USA

It is recommended to schedule an initial consultation to discuss specific employee benefit, executive compensation, or taxation needs. Ms. Morrison's focus on developing strong client relationships from the outset ensures that legal strategies are aligned with a client's unique circumstances and long-term objectives.

In conclusion, Jessica S. Morrison, now a distinguished attorney at Holland & Knight LLP in Fort Worth, Texas, provides exceptional legal services in employee benefits, executive compensation, and taxation law. Her office in Burnett Plaza offers a professional and accessible environment. Her services are comprehensive, covering everything from plan design and compliance to executive compensation structuring and M&A due diligence. Her notable features include her deep industry knowledge, commitment to client relationships, and extensive involvement in the legal and local communities. For businesses and individuals seeking expert guidance on these critical areas, Ms. Morrison represents a highly capable and reputable choice within the "Lawyers Near Me" category.