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John is the Chair of the firm's Tax, Benefits, and Wealth Planning Group. He is involved in all aspects of the firm's employee benefits practice, but has concentrated in complex executive compensation design, qualified plan compliance and benefits-related securities issues. John also counsels companies of all sizes on a wide range of benefits matters, including equity compensation, health and welfare, and transactional matters.

A significant portion of John's practice has been focused on benefit plan audit, design, and review work. In addition, John regularly assists large public companies with various corporate governance issues implicating their benefit plans, and frequently represents such companies before the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor.

John has represented clients in a broad number of industries, including pharmaceutical, food service, and various technology industries, from a wide range of geographical locations throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the UK, and France.

Publications

• Guest Columnist – The Philadelphia Inquirer – various executive – compensation issues, 2008 and 2009.
• "Handbook: Department of Labor Issues Final FMLA Regulations with a January 16, 2009 Effective Date," November 2008.
• "Handbook: Calendar Year-End Reminder: December 31, 2008 is Deadline for 409A Transition Rules and Documentary Compliance," October 2008.
• "Handbook: IRS Revises Voluntary Correction Program for Retirement Plans," October 2008.
• "Handbook: Department of Labor Proposes Disclosure Requirements for Participant-Directed Individual Account Plans," July 2008.
• "Handbook: New Law Expands Benefit Rights for Employees on Active Military Duty," June 2008.
• "Handbook: IRS Permits Mid-Year Suspension or Reduction of Safe Harbor Nonelective Contributions," May 2008.
• "Handbook: FMLA Amended To Include New Military Leave Provisions," February 2008.
• "Handbook: New Revenue Ruling Provides Guidance to Exception Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code," February 2008.
• "Handbook: DOL Proposes Service Provider Disclosure Requirements," December 2007.
• "Handbook: DOL Releases Final Default Investment Regulation," October 2007.
• "Handbook: Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System - The Latest on Plan Compliance," May 1998.
• "Handbook: Addition of Employer Stock as an Investment Option to a 401(k) Plan," May 1998.

Speeches / Presentations

• Guest Speaker – "CNBC's The Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo" – various executive compensation issues, 2009.
• Frequent Guest Speaker – "NPR's All Things Considered" – various executive compensation issues, 2008 and 2009.

Experience

Legal Education

Undergraduate Education

Professional Admissions / Qualifications

• Pennsylvania

Professional Affiliations

• Recognized in Chambers USA 2007 as one of America's leading benefits and compensation lawyers