David Richard Johanson
Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young, LLP • Napa, CA
LitigationEmployment LawERISA LitigationEstate PlanningGeneral Practice
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Contact
Email
djohanson@hpylaw.com
Phone
(707) 339-4983
Address
Napa, CA, 94559, US
Professional
About
David Richard Johanson is a seasoned attorney with over 28 years of experience, serving as Partner-in-Charge of the Napa office of Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young LLP. With additional offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, he effectively manages a national practice focused on Employment Law, ERISA Litigation, Estate Planning, and Tax Planning. Mr. Johanson specializes in general corporate matters, employee ownership strategies, and complex ERISA-related business issues. He has extensive expertise in executive compensation, equity incentive plans, non-qualified deferred compensation, and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), guiding clients through ESOP transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and business succession planning. His litigation experience spans state and federal courts, where he represents clients in employment defense, tax controversies, and shareholder disputes. Recognized for his national leadership in ESOP and executive compensation, Mr. Johanson is a past chair of The ESOP Association's legislative and regulatory advisory committee and has served on its board of directors. He has received accolades for his contributions, including being honored as the outstanding committee chair for 1993-94 at The ESOP Association's annual conference. Additionally, he has served as General Counsel for The National Center for Employee Ownership. Mr. Johanson holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, complemented by an A.L.A. from Columbia College in Missouri. He is also an active member of the Southern California Mediation Association and frequently lectures for the University of Southern California Mediation Clinic.
About Litigation Law
Litigation attorneys represent clients in civil lawsuits, handling all aspects of disputes from filing through trial and appeal. They are skilled advocates in and out of the courtroom. Common matters include civil disputes, business litigation, contract disputes, appeals.
Credentials
Education
1986 University of Minnesota Law School JD - Juris Doctor 1980 Columbia College (Columbia, MO) A.L.A 1980 University of Minnesota, Twin Cities B.I.S.
Languages
English
Recognition & Involvement
Awards
N/A Who's Who In American Law, N/A AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
Publications
2016 Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young LLP Description and Purpose of an ESOP 2016 Acquisition International The Pros & Cons of Employee Stock Ownership Plans 2015 NCEO: Equity Alternatives (13th ed.) Direct Stock Purchases in Closely Held Companies 2014 The Travelers Companies, Inc. Client Alert ESOP Drafting Considerations to Reinforce the Moench Presumption 2013 N/A The Advantages of Selling to an ESOP
Associations
The ESOP Association Member The National Center for Employee Ownership Member American Bar Association Member Southern California Mediation Association Member Santa Monica Bar Association Panel Chair, Arbitration
Speaking
2016 The Knowledge Group's webcast "M&A Update: ESOP Financing as a Viable Exit Strategy" 2016 Texas Lawyer's In-House Counsel Summit “Intro to ESOPs and Related ERISA Litigation.” 2016 Ohio Employee Ownership Center "Does Your ESOP Plan Support Your Business Plan?" 2015 The Knowledge Group Webinar "Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs): Pros and Cons" 2015 Texas Lawyer's In-House Counsel Summit "Intro to ESOPs and Related ERISA Litigation"
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Updated: May 25, 2026