John D. Arendshorst

John D. Arendshorst is a partner and Grand Rapids employee benefits attorney who advises companies, plan sponsors, employers, and executives on employee stock ownership plans, executive compensation, and business matters. He guides clients through every stage of the ESOP lifecycle, including feasibility studies, plan design, transaction structures, stock valuation issues, trustee selection, and regulatory compliance. His work also supports succession planning, ownership transitions, and liquidity events.

John earned a B.A. from Williams College in 2004 and a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law in 2010. During law school, he served as an editor of The Northwestern Journal of International Human Rights. His education supports his ability to analyze detailed employee benefits rules, business objectives, and tax considerations. He is admitted in Illinois and Michigan, including all state courts in both jurisdictions.

John has advised clients on ESOP transactions valued from $10 million to $1 billion. He counsels sponsors on plan maintenance, annual administration, repurchase obligations, participant distributions, and fiduciary governance under ERISA and IRS rules. His broader practice covers 401(k), defined contribution, defined benefit, cash balance, equity incentive, and deferred compensation plans. He also handles benefits issues in corporate transactions, executive employment agreements, and Section 409A compliance. His health and welfare work includes Affordable Care Act compliance, health savings accounts, claims procedures, medical and disability appeals, HIPAA privacy matters, and plan disclosures.

John D. Arendshorst has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law since 2024, by Grand Rapids Magazine for Employee Benefits Law since 2019, and by DBusiness as a Top Lawyer in Employee Benefits Law in 2026. He serves on professional and community organizations, including the State Bar of Michigan’s Employee Benefits Committee and the IRS Great Lakes TE/GE Council. His practical guidance helps clients manage complex benefit plans while meeting long-term business and compliance goals.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Varnum LLP
• Member, State Bar of Michigan, Taxation Section

Licensed State

• Michigan
• Illinois

Education

• Northwestern University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Williams College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges