David Arthur Thornton
Bass. Berry & Sims, PLC • Memphis, TN
Employee BenefitsEmployee Benefits and Executive CompensationHealthcareTax
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Contact
Email
Phone
Address
100 Peabody Pl Ste 900, Memphis, TN, 38103, US
Professional
About
David Arthur Thornton is a distinguished attorney at Bass, Berry & Sims, PLC, where he specializes in healthcare and tax law. With nearly four decades of legal experience, David has built a reputation for his deep understanding of complex regulatory frameworks and his commitment to delivering exceptional client service. He is particularly adept at navigating the intricacies of employee benefits and executive compensation, providing strategic guidance that ensures compliance with federal regulations. In the past year alone, David has demonstrated his expertise by re-qualifying a retirement plan valued at over $100 million, showcasing his ability to handle substantial financial assets with precision. He has collaborated with numerous large employers to develop competitive executive compensation arrangements that meet the stringent requirements of IRC Section 409A. His extensive involvement in corporate transactions has resulted in successful outcomes for clients, as he has facilitated over $200 million in deals incorporating employee benefits. David is also a thought leader in his field, evidenced by his creation of a highly regarded three-part webinar series on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has educated numerous stakeholders on compliance and implementation strategies. Additionally, he has established a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement, further exemplifying his innovative approach to healthcare solutions. With a Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the same institution, David remains a formidable presence in the legal landscape, dedicated to achieving optimal results for his clients.
Credentials
Education
1984 University of Tennessee College of Law JD - Juris Doctor 1981 University of Tennessee BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English
Recognition & Involvement
Awards
2016 Recognition, Best Lawyers in America 2015 Recognition, Best Lawyers in America 2014 Recognition, Super Lawyers 2014 Recognition, Best Lawyers in America 2013 Recognition, Super Lawyers
Publications
2014 Bass, Berry & Sims Alert 2014 ERISA Welfare Plan Automatic Participant Disclosures Checklist 2013 Bass, Berry & Sims Alert New HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules Impact Employer-Sponsored Group Health Plans 2012 Law360 Some 6th Circ. Employers May Be Owed FICA Tax Refunds
Associations
Memphis Bar Association Member Tennessee Bar Association, Business Law Section Member Tennessee Bar Association, Corporate Counsel Section Member American Bar Association, Business Law Section Member Order of the Coif Member
Speaking
2015 Employment Hot Topics ACA Reporting 2014 Legacy Wealth Management Lunch n Learn Fees Uncovered In Your Company's 401(K) Plan: High or Low, And How Do You Know?
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Updated: May 25, 2026