James “Al” Holifield is a highly respected attorney, business strategist, and corporate governance expert with nearly four decades of experience in employee benefits law, ERISA compliance, labor and employment law, and corporate governance. As the founding member of Holifield & Janich, PLLC, Al has spent his career advising businesses, government entities, and executives on navigating complex legal landscapes, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and implementing best practices in risk management and fiduciary oversight. His strategic acumen, deep regulatory knowledge, and litigation expertise make him a sought-after thought leader in corporate governance and compliance.
With 37 years of experience, Al has been instrumental in helping organizations manage fiduciary responsibilities, mitigate risks, and enhance legal strategies. His ability to simplify the intricacies of ERISA, employee benefits, and corporate governance has made him a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, healthcare institutions, insurance firms, and government contractors. As a Fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel and a recognized Best Lawyer in America since 2019, Al has shaped industry standards and provided critical insights on evolving legal frameworks.
Throughout his career, Al has worked with businesses across various industries, including healthcare, financial services, construction, manufacturing, and professional services. His broad industry exposure allows him to craft tailored governance and compliance solutions that align with the unique needs of each organization. He has served as an expert witness in employee benefits cases, defended organizations in high-stakes ERISA and labor disputes, and advised boards on executive compensation, fiduciary duty, and benefits structuring.
Al’s litigation experience is extensive, covering employee benefits claims, Title VII employment law disputes, fiduciary responsibility lawsuits, and executive pay conflicts. His ability to analyze legal risks, develop sound strategies, and deliver successful outcomes has earned him a stellar reputation among legal professionals and corporate executives. In addition to his litigation work, he has represented clients in IRS audits, Department of Labor investigations, and benefits class-action lawsuits, ensuring businesses remain compliant and legally protected.
As an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law from 2008 to 2020, Al has educated and mentored future legal professionals in employee benefits law, fiduciary responsibility, and regulatory compliance. His commitment to thought leadership and education is evident in his numerous legal publications, including co-authoring the ERISA Fiduciary Answer Book and contributing to several American Bar Association Employee Benefits Law publications.
Al has been actively involved in leadership roles within the American Bar Association, serving as Management Co-Chair of the ABA Joint Committee on Employee Benefits from 2018 to 2024 and Employer Co-Chair of the ABA Labor and Employment Section’s Employee Benefits Committee. He has also been a Track Coordinator for the ABA National Labor and Employment Annual Meeting, helping shape discussions around employee benefits and labor law. His leadership in these organizations demonstrates his commitment to advancing corporate governance, legal best practices, and compliance education.
His board-level expertise extends beyond legal advisory work, as he has served on and advised numerous corporate and nonprofit boards. His guidance on fiduciary oversight, governance structure, risk management, and executive benefits planning has provided organizations with stronger legal and financial foundations. His deep understanding of mergers and acquisitions, deferred compensation, and pension structuring further solidifies his ability to drive strategic decision-making at the board level.
Al’s reputation as a trusted legal expert has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a Mid-South Super Lawyer since 2016 and Best Employee Benefits Attorney in Knoxville from 2010 to 2024. His highly endorsed skills in corporate compliance, litigation, ERISA, retirement planning, and employment law reinforce his standing as a leader in the legal community. His ability to translate complex legal issues into actionable business strategies makes him an invaluable asset to organizations seeking sound governance and compliance frameworks.
At the core of Al’s success is his ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a practical and accessible manner. Whether advising executives, speaking at industry events, or mentoring young attorneys, he consistently delivers clear, strategic, and actionable insights. His ability to collaborate with corporate leaders, HR executives, and legal teams has helped countless organizations strengthen their governance practices, mitigate risks, and align their corporate policies with regulatory requirements.
Al Holifield’s extensive career in corporate law, governance, and employee benefits continues to make a lasting impact on businesses and professionals nationwide. His commitment to integrity, innovation, and education ensures that organizations remain resilient, legally sound, and well-positioned for long-term success.
Character:
Al Holifield is a principled, ethical, and results-driven leader who values integrity, transparency, and excellence in legal and corporate governance. His commitment to advocating for businesses and executives reflects his dedication to fairness and compliance.
Knowledge:
With 37 years of legal expertise, Al possesses an unmatched depth of knowledge in corporate governance, ERISA compliance, employment law, and fiduciary responsibility. His profound legal insights help organizations navigate complex regulations and mitigate risks effectively.
Strategic:
Al’s ability to develop, implement, and refine corporate strategies ensures that organizations stay ahead of regulatory challenges and optimize governance structures. His practical and forward-thinking approach makes him an indispensable advisor to boards and executives.
Communication:
A highly skilled communicator and mentor, Al translates complex legal concepts into clear, actionable strategies. His ability to educate, advise, and engage stakeholders ensures that businesses can implement governance and compliance best practices with confidence.
