James B. Bristol

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

5.0 (1 reviews)

Nashville, Tennessee

38+ years experience

Holland & Knight LLP

Updated: Jan 02, 2026

Contact Information

615-244-6380

https://www.hklaw.com/en/professionals/b/bristol-james

Nashville City Center, Suite 2700, 511 Union Street, Nashville, TN 37219

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Bio

James B. Bristol is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - ERISA and Tax Law.James B., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. James B. Bristol is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - ERISA and Tax Law.James B., who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. James B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Local Legal Snapshot

Jurisdiction

Tennessee

State Capital

Nashville

Highest Court

Tennessee Supreme Court

Bar Association

Tennessee Bar Association

Typical Consultation

$150-$300

Typical Hourly Range

$250-$450/hr

Fee Model Notes

Hourly or flat-fee billing is common.

Estimates vary by market, complexity, urgency, and attorney experience.

Practice Areas

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Nashville (2024)
Lawyer of the Year: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Nashville (2022)
Lawyer of the Year: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Nashville (2020)
Lawyer of the Year: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Nashville (2017)
Lawyer of the Year: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Nashville (2013)
Recognized: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Recognized: Employment Law - Management
Recognized: Litigation - ERISA
Recognized: Tax Law
Practice Area: Employment Law - Individuals
Practice Area: Labor Law - Management
Practice Area: Labor Law - Union
Practice Area: Litigation - Labor and Employment
Special Focus: Employee Benefits
Special Focus: ERISA

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2009

Education

Pepperdine University, J.D., graduated 1987

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Reviews

Jennifer Turner

3 months ago

A Master of ERISA Law Who Secured Our Company's Future

Our mid-sized manufacturing company faced a daunting Department of Labor audit concerning our 401(k) plan administration. The complexities of ERISA felt overwhelming, and the potential penalties were severe. From our first consultation with Jim Bristol at Holland & Knight, his nearly four decades of experience were immediately apparent. He didn't just recite the law; he explained the regulatory intent and the DOL's likely perspective with a clarity that instantly calmed our executive team. His deep, specific knowledge in Employee Benefits law, underscored by his recent 'Lawyer of the Year' recognitions, gave us immense confidence. Jim and his team conducted a meticulous internal review, identified a few historical compliance gaps we had missed, and crafted a proactive, transparent strategy for the auditors. The result was a resolved audit with minimal corrective action and no penalties. Beyond the technical win, Jim’s counsel on restructuring our plan governance has been invaluable. He is a strategic partner who protects both the company and our employees' interests. For any business navigating the minefield of benefits law, Jim Bristol is simply the best.