Ronald A. “Ron” Bell

Description

Professional Overview

Ronald A. Bell is a senior legal professional with extensive experience in capital markets, tax credits, employee benefits, ERISA, and executive compensation. He advises public and private clients on complex financial, tax, and regulatory matters, with a strong focus on compliance, structure, and long-term planning.

Ron has handled transactions valued in the multibillion-dollar range and has worked with government entities, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and professional groups across multiple industries.

Areas of Practice

• Capital Markets & Public Finance
• Tax Law
• Tax Credit Transactions (NMTC, LIHTC, HTC)
• Employee Benefits & ERISA
• Executive Compensation
• Affordable Housing Finance
• Asset Securitization
• Public Finance Law

Capital Markets Experience

Ron advises on federal tax structures for state and local government financings, including housing, hospitals, universities, charter schools, airports, utilities, and general obligation bonds. He regularly serves as special tax counsel and rebate counsel on tax-exempt and taxable bond transactions.

His work also includes asset securitization transactions, disclosure review for offering documents, and advising on ERISA and tax matters related to securities issuances.

Tax Credits & Project Finance

Ron has significant experience in federal and state tax credit transactions, including:

• New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC)
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
• Historic Tax Credits (HTC)

He has advised lenders, borrowers, developers, syndicators, and tax credit investors on projects exceeding $500 million, including mixed-use and affordable housing developments.

Employee Benefits, ERISA & Executive Compensation

Ron has advised over 200 physician groups and corporate clients on retirement plans, executive compensation structures, deferred compensation, stock plans, and welfare benefit plans.

His work includes IRS and DOL audits, plan design, fiduciary guidance, mergers and acquisitions, compliance reviews, pension fund investments, and ESOP transactions.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) – The Ohio State University, 1994
• Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (M.S.A.E.) – University of Cincinnati, 1991
• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (B.S.A.E.) – California Polytechnic State University (Pomona), 1988

Licenses & Admissions

• State of Ohio
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
• United States Tax Court

Professional Memberships

• National Association of Bond Lawyers
• American Bar Association – Section of Taxation
• Cincinnati Bar Association
• CFA Institute
• Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association

Honors & Recognition

• Lawyer of the Year – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Cincinnati (2022)
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® (2018–2020, 2026)
• Recognized for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Tax Law

Client Approach

Ron focuses on clear communication, careful planning, and practical legal solutions. He works closely with clients to explain complex legal matters in a structured and understandable way while maintaining strict confidentiality and professional standards.