Jeffrey A. DeVree

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

5.0 (1 reviews)

Grand Rapids, Michigan

43+ years experience

Varnum LLP

Updated: Jan 04, 2026

Contact Information

616-336-6000

https://www.varnumlaw.com/people/jeffrey-a-devree

Bridgewater Place, Suite 1700, 333 Bridge Street, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

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Bio

Jeff chairs Varnum's employee benefits practice group. He has 25 years of experience working with employers, executives and third-party administrators on a wide range of employee benefit, executive compensation and individual retirement matters, including plan design, plan administration, benefit plan disputes and tax planning for retirement. He also helps solve complex tax issues in business and investment transactions, especially those involving pass-through entities and oil and gas activities.

Local Legal Snapshot

Jurisdiction

Michigan

State Capital

Lansing

Highest Court

Michigan Supreme Court

Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Typical Consultation

$150-$300

Typical Hourly Range

$250-$450/hr

Fee Model Notes

Hourly or flat-fee billing is common.

Estimates vary by market, complexity, urgency, and attorney experience.

Practice Areas

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Litigation and Controversy - Tax, Grand Rapids (2024)
Lawyer of the Year: Tax Law, Grand Rapids (2022)
Lawyer of the Year: Litigation and Controversy - Tax, Grand Rapids (2019)
Lawyer of the Year: Tax Law, Grand Rapids (2018)
Lawyer of the Year: Tax Law, Grand Rapids (2016)
Lawyer of the Year: Litigation and Controversy - Tax, Grand Rapids (2015)
Recognized: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Recognized: Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Recognized: Tax Law
Special Focus: Corporate and Partnership Transactions
Special Focus: COVID-19
Special Focus: ESOPS
Special Focus: Tax
Martindale-Hubbell Rated, AV® Preeminent™
Listed in Michigan Super Lawyers since 2006
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2008, Employee Benefits Law and Tax Law

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2008

Education

The University of Michigan Law School, J.D., graduated 1982

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Reviews

Brenda Perez

3 months ago

A Lifeline in a Complex Employee Benefits Dispute

When our company faced a high-stakes IRS audit concerning our executive compensation plans, we turned to Jeff DeVree. His 43 years of experience, particularly his deep focus on employee benefits and tax controversy, were immediately evident. Jeff and his team at Varnum didn't just react; they conducted a thorough pre-audit analysis, identified potential vulnerabilities from our third-party administrator's work, and built a formidable defense strategy. His calm, methodical approach was reassuring throughout the entire stressful process. The result was a highly favorable settlement that protected our key executives and saved the company significant financial exposure. His recent 'Lawyer of the Year' recognitions are clearly well-deserved. Jeff is the attorney you want in your corner for complex benefit and tax matters.