HBL

ERISA & Compliance
Focused guidance on ERISA requirements and compliance strategies that help employers reduce risk and manage benefit plans with confidence.
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ERISA & Compliance

ERISA & Compliance Services at Hall Benefits Law

ERISA & Compliance

Navigating complex ERISA compliance challenges for employers in Atlanta and nationwide requires deep experience and familiarity with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and its evolving regulations. At Hall Benefits Law (HBL), our ERISA compliance attorneys provide clear, practical guidance to help organizations maintain compliance, mitigate risks, and optimize employee benefit programs. With years of experience advising plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and administrators, we've assisted clients in avoiding costly penalties from DOL investigations and IRS audits. For instance, recent DOL opinions highlight how certain deferred compensation programs can be exempt from ERISA, underscoring the need for precise plan design to reduce liabilities. Our approach combines technical knowledge with business-focused strategies, ensuring your benefit plans align with federal mandates while supporting long-term goals.

 

Whether you're a small business in Georgia or a large corporation operating across the U.S., we help address fiduciary standards, reporting requirements, and prohibited transactions. Common queries like "how to handle ERISA fiduciary duties" or "what are the latest ERISA regulatory updates" are at the core of our practice, where we emphasize proactive measures to prevent disputes and enhance plan governance. Contact our experienced ERISA compliance counsel today to discuss your needs.

Leadership in ERISA & Compliance Legal Matters

As recognized leaders in ERISA compliance, our team at Hall Benefits Law delivers resultsdriven advice to employers seeking to navigate the intricacies of employee benefits law. Drawing from extensive experience, including handling appellate arguments and settlements in high-stakes cases, we help clients reduce exposure to ERISA litigation and penalties. For example, in advising on plan documentation, we’ve guided organizations through corrections that restore compliance without disrupting operations, often leveraging IRS and DOL programs to minimize financial impacts.

Fiduciary
Responsibilities

Our ERISA attorneys advise on duties under ERISA, including investment oversight, fee benchmarking, and governance structures. As Anne Tyler Hall notes, "Strong fiduciary processes are essential to avoiding breaches that could lead to lawsuits—our training and oversight strategies have helped clients cut risks significantly."

Plan Design and Documentation

We assist with the creation, amendment, and termination of qualified and nonqualified plans, ensuring adherence to ERISA's minimum standards, anti-discrimination rules, and recent updates like those from the SECURE Act.

Reporting and
Disclosure

Guiding clients through Form 5500 filings, summary plan descriptions (SPDs), and participant disclosures to meet transparency requirements and prevent penalties.

Compliance Audits and Corrections

Conducting internal reviews and utilizing programs like EPCRS and VFCP to address operational errors, drawing on insights from recent court decisions such as those under the No Surprises Act.

Regulatory
Updates

Helping employers adapt to changes from the DOL, IRS, and legislation, including exemptions for certain compensation programs.

We serve diverse clients, including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, health insurance brokers, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, with a focus on Atlanta-based employers and nationwide reach. For related fiduciary issues, explore our Fiduciary Governance page.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge:

Meeting Fiduciary Duties Under ERISA

Many employers struggle with investment oversight and fee management, leading to potential breaches and lawsuits.

Solution:

We implement governance training and benchmarking strategies, helping clients align with DOL guidelines and reduce liability by up to 30% based on industry benchmarks.

Challenge:

Handling Regulatory Changes and Updates

Keeping up with acts like SECURE 2.0 or DOL opinions on plan exemptions can be overwhelming.

Solution:

Our team provides tailored updates and adaptation plans, ensuring seamless compliance without operational disruptions.

Challenge:

Correcting Plan Errors and Facing Audits

Operational mistakes can trigger IRS or DOL audits, resulting in penalties.

Solution:

Through programs like EPCRS, we conduct reviews and corrections, minimizing costs and restoring plan integrity.

Challenge:

Navigating Prohibited Transactions

Identifying and resolving transactions that violate ERISA rules.

Solution:

Proactive audits and documentation reviews to prevent issues, often integrated with our Audits & Corrections services.

FAQs on ERISA & Compliance

ERISA compliance involves adhering to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act's rules on fiduciary duties, reporting, and plan management to protect employee benefits and avoid penalties

By establishing strong governance, conducting regular fee reviews, and seeking thorough guidance—our Atlanta ERISA lawyers help implement these steps to mitigate risks.

Recent DOL opinions exempt certain deferred compensation from ERISA, while appellate cases address pension equivalents and IDR awards; staying informed prevents non-compliance.

It governs design, disclosure, and compliance; for specifics, see our Health & Welfare Plans page.

Contact experienced attorneys immediately for review and correction strategies to limit exposure.

Recent rulings, like in the Fifth Circuit, limit them for certain enforcement, emphasizing the need for strategic planning.

Awards & Recognition

Hall Benefits Law’s ERISA & Compliance team has earned notable recognition in employee benefits law. The firm is a 2026 Best Law Firms® recipient. Managing Partner Anne Tyler Hall is recognized for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 edition. Anne Tyler Hall is a past Super Lawyers Rising Star recipient, and the firm is an Inc. 5000 business, recognized as the fastest-growing firm of its kind in the U.S. for nearly a decade.

Stay Informed

Insights and Resources

Stay ahead with our latest thought leadership on ERISA & Compliance:

Stay informed with our latest webinars, white papers, and regulatory updates.

Meet the Team

Our Professional Team

Our professionals bring extensive experience in ERISA matters. Contact our key team members:

Anne Tyler Hall

Managing Partner

Contact: (470) 344-6773
Specializing in ERISA compliance and employee benefits law, with recognition in Best Lawyers 2026. 

Tim Kennedy

Partner

Contact: (470) 344-8272
Specializes in fiduciary responsibilities and audits. 

Jean Yu

Partner

Contact: 470-571-1006
Specializes in regulatory compliance and plan design.

Samuel Krause

Partner

Contact: (678) 439-6236
Specializes in ERISA disputes and governance.

Susan G. Curtis

Partner

Specializes in compliance corrections and updates.

Ready to optimize your ERISA & Compliance strategy?

Reach out to Hall Benefits Law’s team in Atlanta for personalized guidance