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, changein-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.