James' practice involves counseling clients with the design, implementation and operation of qualified defined contribution plans, with an emphasis on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (“ESOPs”)   James previously served as an ERISA Enforcement Advisor and the National ESOP Coordinator for the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration where he identified and corrected violations of ERISA in connection with ESOPs, including stock drops, improper valuations, prohibited loans, discrimination issues, voting rights, diversification and refinancing.