Warner Norcross & Judd LLP | Attorneys

Partner

T 231.727.2637
F 231.728.7737
M 231.557.7340

John McKendry, Jr. practices extensively in the area of employee benefits law.

Led client and industry groups in drafting and implementing proposed and final regulation compliant 403(b) and 457 plan and funding documents and ancillary provider and agent service and recordkeeping agreements
Drafted and obtained approval of the first 401(k) master and prototype plan in the United States for financial services industry clients
Provides recurring training and advice to financial services providers, accountants and auditors
Secured initial private letter rulings assuring favorable tax treatment of self insured health care and fringe benefit plans
Designated and implemented numerous nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements for private sector, governmental and tax exempt employers assuring compliance with IRC § 61,409A and 457(f) requirements and obtaining substantial employment and income tax deferral and savings
Regularly represents private and public sector, financial services and accounting firm clients in the design of plans and for the engagement and provision of investment, fiduciary, recordkeeping and administrative services including negotiation of agreements securing providers fiduciary status, appropriate standards of care and reasonable fee arrangements for employee benefit plans (including defined benefit, traditional and cash balance defined contribution, deferred compensation, 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans, section 125/flexible benefits/cafeteria, health care and other fringe benefit plans)

Best Lawyers in America, Employee Benefits Law, 1995-2011
Listed in Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who Among American Teachers
Named to Michigan Super Lawyers 2006-2009
Rated a leader in the field of employee benefits and acknowledged for his expertise with pension plans in Michigan by Chambers USA 2009-2010
Received the Muskegon Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award, 1981
Selected as one of five Outstanding Young Men in Michigan, 1982

Adjunct Professor, Employee Benefits at Grand Valley State University (1986-Present)
Instructor, Muskegon Community College (1998-2002)
Specialist in and frequent speaker and author on employee benefits law for trade and professional associations, including Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan), Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, Certified Employee Benefits Specialists, Michigan Medical Group Management Association, and Employers Association of West Michigan
"Be A Prudent Fiduciary," WNJ Human Resources Seminar, March 23, 2010, Grand Rapids, Michigan
"Selecting and Monitoring Your Plan Providers: A Roadmap for Minimizing Fiduciary Liability for Your Plan Providers," WNJ Human Resources Seminar, May 10, 2007, Grand Rapids, Michigan

American Cancer Society
Muskegon County Unit, Past President (1979) and Past Board Member (1978-81)
Catholic Social Services
Board Member (1998-04)
Deaf Hard of Hearing Connection
Founder, Chairman Board of Directors (2003-Present)
Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association
Past Director (1982-86); Counsel (1979-Present)
Mona Shores Public Schools
Chair Blue Ribbon Commission (1984); Chair, Millage Campaign (1992); Founder, Education Foundation (1994); Director/Assistant Director of Debate (1975-90, 1999-02)
Mona Lake Watershed Council
Board of Directors (2003-05); Counsel (2003-Present)
Norton Shores Charter Commission
Chair (2003-05)
St. Francis deSales Parish
Lector (1978-Present); Lector Coordinator (1998-06)
United Way of West Michigan
Chairman, Professional Division (1994, 1998)
West Michigan Symphony
President (1997-99); Vice President (1995-97); Board of Directors (1993-00)