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Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Northwestern University School of Law
Chicago, Illinois
J.D., 2010
The Northwestern Journal of International Human Rights, Editor

Williams College
Williamstown, Massachusetts
B.A., 2004

Bar Admissions

Illinois

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Illinois state courts

All Michigan state courts

Employee Benefits Attorney

John leads the firm’s Employee Benefits Team. He counsels employee benefit plan sponsors with respect to compliance with ERISA and IRS requirements for 401(k) plans, ESOPs and other defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and deferred compensation arrangements. John also advises clients on employee benefits issues in the context of corporate transactions, including qualified plan compliance issues, change-in-control agreements, continuation of health coverage and golden parachute payments under Section 280G. John is experienced in negotiating and drafting executive employment agreements and incentive plans on behalf of employers and executives, and advises clients with regard to compliance with Section 409A.

In addition, John helps businesses with issues regarding health and welfare plan design, Affordable Care Act implementation and compliance, and consumer-driven health arrangements, including high deductible health plans, health savings accounts, health reimbursement accounts, and wellness programs. He regularly advises clients with respect to claims procedures, medical and disability appeals, plan documentation, summary plan descriptions and other disclosures, third-party provider agreements, flexible benefits arrangements, taxation of dependent coverage, and subrogation and reimbursement, as well as portability, nondiscrimination and privacy matters arising under HIPAA. John has designed and performed comprehensive compliance reviews for health and welfare benefit plans.

Honors and Recognitions

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Employee Benefits Law, since 2019 

The Best Lawyers in America®, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2024

Professional Affiliations

State Bar of Michigan, Taxation Section, Employee Benefits Committee, since 2017

Community Involvement

Adoption and Foster Care Mentoring, 2006 – 2007

Center for Disability and Elder Law: Young Professionals Board, 2011 – 2012

City of East Grand Rapids, Commissioner, since 2019

East Grand Rapids Community Foundation Board, since 2019

East Grand Rapids Planning Commission, since 2015 

Grand Rapids Area Professionals for Excellence,  since 2015 

Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Health Care and Human Resources Committee, since 2017

Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, since 2021

IRS Great Lakes TE/GE Council, since 2017 

Minds Matter Mentoring, 2007 – 2010

West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition, Board, since 2019

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