July 31, 2023 (Napa, CA) – Hawkins Parnell & Young senior partner David Johanson has been elected as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (ABF). David chairs the Employee Benefits & ERISA litigation group at Hawkins Parnell and is partner-in-charge of the Napa office.

David joins a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession. Membership is by invitation only and limited to 1% of licensed attorneys.

With almost 40 years of legal practice, David is an accomplished litigator and advisor known for his expertise in corporate law, employee ownership, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), ERISA, and related business matters. His work spans from serving as outside general counsel to numerous clients, defending cases in state and federal courts, and before national regulatory agencies and courts, and handling complex matters involving executive compensation, ESOP transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and business succession planning.

David's nationally recognized leadership in ESOP and executive compensation has led to significant roles within The ESOP Association, including twice serving as the chair of the legislative and regulatory advisory committee and as chair of the advisory committee and board and board of governors member. He also served as general counsel and a board member for The National Center for Employee Ownership for ten years.

The ABF was founded by the American Bar Association as an independent organization for interdisciplinary research into the law. The ABF's mission is to serve the legal profession, the public, and the academy through empirical research, publications, and programs that advance justice and the understanding of law and its impact on society.

About Hawkins Parnell & Young

Hawkins Parnell & Young is a national defense litigation firm that has represented many of the largest and most well-known companies in high-risk litigation and business disputes. The 250-strong litigation team works with clients to develop winning defense strategies and, if necessary, try cases to verdict in all 50 states.