John L. Utz

Kansas

Spencer Fane LLP
6201 College Boulevard
Suite 500
Overland Park, KS 66211

Tel: 913.685.7978

Email: jutz@spencerfane.com
Web: www.spencerfane.com

Professional Biography

John Utz utilizes a deep understanding of his clients’ business models to build and implement effective and legally compliant employee benefit programs and executive compensation packages. He provides services critical to success, profitability, and employee recruitment and retention. He has vast experience with more than four decades handling matters affecting pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans, health and welfare programs, as well as ESOPs, Section 403(b) tax-sheltered annuities, Section 457 plans, stock options, nonqualified deferred compensation, incentive pay, and severance pay.

John works directly with HR professionals, executives, and business owners to develop scalable solutions for retirement, health, executive compensation, and other benefit plans both tailored to the client’s business needs and compliant with applicable laws and regulations. While keeping clients up to date with changes in ERISA, the tax code, and other relevant regulations, he offers proactive advice and timely reviews based on emerging trends in health care reform, 401(k) plan rules, and much more.

A Fellow in the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel and the American College of Tax Counsel, John has established a well-deserved reputation for being a sought-after thought leader in the community. For instance, he has published more than 100 articles in professional journals and has shared timely and relevant insights at hundreds of speaking opportunities at local, regional, and national professional events – both private and public. John is also active in the American Bar Association, having served as chair of the Employee Benefits Committee of the Section of Taxation and on several subcommittees.

Education

  • University of Illinois College of Law, 1982 (J.D.), magna cum laude
  • University of Illinois, 1979 (M.S.)
  • University of Missouri, 1978 (A.B.), magna cum laude with honors

Substantial and effective employee benefit programs and executive compensation packages are critical to business success and profitability. The Spencer Fane Employee Benefits team helps clients create benefit packages that attract and retain top talent while maintaining necessary compliance with laws and regulations governing employee benefits.

Our service model is premised on understanding our clients’ businesses. Members of our Employee Benefits team work directly with HR professionals, C-level executives, and business owners to develop benefits solutions – retirement, health, executive compensation, and other benefit plans – tailored to the client’s business needs.

We advise employers, fiduciaries, Taft-Hartley funds, and benefit service providers (such as consultants, brokers, and record keepers) on the full spectrum of benefit plan issues.

While keeping clients up to date with changes in ERISA, the tax code, and other relevant laws, we offer proactive advice based on emerging trends in highly regulated areas ranging from health care reform to 401(k) plan rules. Our attorneys craft plans that receive favorable tax treatment, while shielding officers and employees from personal liability.

We also provide fiduciary training and risk mitigation that helps clients avoid costly mistakes related to regulatory risks.

Spencer Fane LLP is a nationally recognized law firm that provides comprehensive legal services to businesses, organizations, and individuals across a wide range of industries. With offices throughout the United States, the firm is known for its client-centered approach, offering practical solutions tailored to the unique challenges of each client. Its attorneys combine deep legal knowledge with a keen understanding of business realities, enabling the firm to deliver effective strategies that align with clients’ goals.

The firm’s practice spans key areas such as litigation, labor and employment, real estate, corporate law, banking and financial services, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. Spencer Fane also has significant experience in highly regulated industries, including healthcare, energy, education, and construction. By drawing on both regional insight and national resources, the firm is able to address complex legal matters while maintaining the efficiency and personal attention of a mid-sized firm.

Spencer Fane’s reputation is built on its commitment to collaboration, responsiveness, and results. The firm values long-term client relationships and places an emphasis on anticipating challenges before they arise. Guided by a philosophy of integrity and service, Spencer Fane continues to expand its reach and capabilities, offering clients innovative legal counsel that helps them navigate today’s fast-changing legal and business landscape.

“John Utz of Spencer Fane exhibits considerable expertise in employee benefits and executive compensation matters. He has extensive experience handling pension plans, severance and incentive pay.”
Chambers & Partners