John M. Peterson
Biography
John serves as the firm’s point person for assisting clients and public speaking on all aspects of the Affordable Care Act, having delivered more than 200 presentations since joining the firm in late 2012. His deep knowledge of ACA compliance allows John to provide comprehensive legal counsel to organizations, businesses and brokers, responding to ACA challenges both creatively and proactively.
John is a member of the firm’s ESOPs, Benefits & Compensation, Business Tax, Labor & Employment, and Private Client Services practice groups. John has 45+ years of experience as both a practicing attorney and CPA in the areas of retirement plans and employee benefits. John also has extensive teaching experience on ERISA matters, 26 years as an adjunct professor at William and Mary Law School and 20+ years at Old Dominion University’s Professional Financial Planning program.
Recognition & Honors
- Best Lawyers in America, 2018-2025
- Norfolk Tax Law “Lawyer of the Year”; Best Lawyers in America, 2024
- Virginia’s Legal Elite; Virginia Business Magazine, 2021-2024
- Norfolk Tax Lawyer of the Year; Best Lawyers in America, 2019
- Virginia Super CPA; Virginia Business Magazine
- Old Dominion University; Adjunct Professor, 1999-present
- College of William & Mary School of Law; Adjunct Professor, 1978-2004
Associations
- Hampton Roads Employee Benefit Study Group; Founding Member
- American Institute of CPAs; Employee Benefit Committee
- Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants; Employee Benefits Committee
Education
- College of William & Mary; B.S., 1970
- William & Mary Law School; J.D., 1972
- William & Mary Law School; MTAX, 1973
Press & Publications
- 51 Kaufman & Canoles Attorneys Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s “Legal Elite” 2024
- 55 Kaufman & Canoles Attorneys Named Best Lawyers in America 2025, 7 Named “Lawyer of the Year,” and 13 Named “Ones to Watch”
- 53 Kaufman & Canoles Attorneys Named Virginia Business Magazine’s “Legal Elite” 2023
- 54 Kaufman & Canoles Attorneys Named Best Lawyers in America© 2024, 6 Named “Lawyer of the Year,” and 10 Named “Ones to Watch”
- 53 Kaufman & Canoles Attorneys Named Virginia Business Magazine’s “Legal Elite” 2022
- 2023 ACA Numbers & Limitations Reference Chart
- 2023 Premium Tax Credit Chart
- 48 Kaufman & Canoles Attorneys Named Best Lawyers In America© 2023, 5 Named “Lawyer of the Year” and 8 Named “Ones to Watch”
- 52 Kaufman & Canoles Attorneys Named Virginia Business Magazine’s “Legal Elite” 2021
- 48 Kaufman & Canoles Attorneys Named Best Lawyers in America© 2022, 4 Named “Lawyer of the Year” and 8 Named “Ones to Watch”
- Health Care Client Alert – April 2021
- Employee Benefits Client Alert – March 2021
- 2021 Retirement Plan Limitations
- 46 Attorneys Named “Best Lawyers in America 2021”, 5 Named “Lawyer of the Year” and 7 Named “Ones to Watch”
- 45 Kaufman & Canoles Attorneys Named Best Lawyers in America 2020 and 3 Named “Lawyer of the Year”
- 43 Kaufman & Canoles Attorneys Named “Best Lawyers in America 2019” and 8 Named “Lawyers of the Year”
- 2018 Tax Reform – Understanding the New Rules
- 5 Key Strategies to Optimize the 20% §199A Deduction for Business Owners
- 46 Kaufman & Canoles Attorneys Named Best Lawyers in America 2018
- Health Insurance Marketplace Subsidies Workshop, December 2-4, 2013
- Self-Audit Mandate Documents
- Health Care Client Alert – Implementing the Non-Discrimination Provisions of Section 1557: What Providers Need to Know