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 ERISA and IRS requirements for 401(k) plans, ESOPs and other defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, cash balance 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. John also partners with companies to implement succession planning strategies, including creation of employee stock ownership plans and trusts to purchase employer stock.
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.
Honors and Recognitions
Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Employee Benefits Law, since 2019
Best Lawyers in America®, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, since 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, 2019 – 2023
East Grand Rapids Community Foundation Board, 2019 – 2022
East Grand Rapids Planning Commission, 2015 – 2023
East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Commission, 2022 – 2023
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