Ben Davidson works at the intersection of finance, taxes and law. As Director of Tax Policy and Analysis and Associate University Counsel, he’s the go-to person for tax legal work in Finance and Budget and in the University Counsel Office. As Adjunct Associate Professor of Law at the UNC School of Law, Davidson teaches a truly inspirational course.
What is a typical day like in your job?
I start each day by reviewing new tax legislation, regulations, rulings and cases from the past 24 hours. After that, my days vary significantly. I may be researching a new tax issue, meeting with a campus client, drafting documents for the Board of Trustees, commenting on pending legislation, modeling the tax impact of a proposed course of action or writing a legal memo.
How long have you been in your current position at UNC?
I have been in this position for three and a half years. I started teaching at the law school last fall.
How does your job support Carolina’s mission?
My role helps Carolina maximize the availability of its resources for its teaching, research and public service mission. It also supports effective cost-benefit decisions by University leadership and enables creative, compliant solutions to complex problems.
What are some of the major projects you are working on for 2020?
I am leading UNC-Chapel Hill’s response to the tax sections of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES (U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. I am also working with our government affairs team on upcoming tax legislation.
What do you like most about your work?
I like supporting the University’s mission and working with wonderful colleagues in the process.
What is something people probably wouldn’t know about you, or another fun item you’d like to share?
I teach the course that inspired me to pursue my field when I was a law student, Law of Nonprofit Organizations.