David B. Walters JD

Dave Walters is a member of Bodman PLC. He is a member of the Firm’s Tax Group and leads the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group.

Dave has extensive experience in all aspects of employee benefits and executive compensation law. His experience includes designing, drafting, implementing and counseling clients regarding tax qualified pension, profit sharing and employee stock ownership plans. He has also consulted with clients regarding compliance issues as they arise with respect to the operation of employee pension benefit plans. He regularly represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service, Employee Benefit Security Administration and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. Dave has prepared various non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements including deferred compensation plans and equity based incentive programs. He has also represented employers and employees in the negotiation and drafting of executive employment and severance agreements. He has also consulted with clients on compliance issues associated with Section 409A. In the area of welfare plans, he has assisted clients in designing and operating various health and welfare plans and fringe benefit programs. He has also assisted clients with design compliance issues related to the Affordable Care Act.

Dave is member of the ABA Taxation Section, Employee Benefits Committee and Michigan Bar Association. He is a past chairperson of the Employee Benefits Committee, Tax Section, of the State Bar of Michigan and a past member of the State Bar of Michigan Taxation Section Council. He is a former chairperson of the Detroit Bar Association Taxation Committee. Dave is an active member of the Great Lakes Area TE/GE Council and is a past chairperson. He has authored several articles and presented on qualified plan issues and is a frequent presenter on non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements.

Super Lawyers has listed Dave in their rankings since 2004 and included him in their Top 100 Michigan Lawyers in 2010. Dave has been included in the Chambers USA since 2012 and is listed as a Top Lawyer by Dbusiness magazine since 2012. Best Lawyers recognized Dave and included him in their rankings since 2007. He is a member of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) and serves on the Government Affairs Committee.

Dave is a graduate of the University of Detroit School of Law, where he earned his JD in 1984. He earned his BS degree from Central Michigan University in 1981 with honors.