Carol Buckmann

This does not mean that plan sponsors and committee members cannot insist on getting non-conflicted fiduciary advice; it just makes their job harder.

This does not mean that plan sponsors and committee members cannot insist on getting non-conflicted fiduciary advice; it just makes their job harder.

Plan administrators who make foolish mistakes are begging for an invasive audit from the IRS or Department of Labor. Here are some common errors that will trigger your plan’s worst nightmare.

Ignorance is no excuse when it comes to a possible ERISA audit. Here are some hard truths to common mistakes sponsors have in their heads.

Ignorance is no excuse when it comes to a possible ERISA audit. Here are some hard truths to common mistakes sponsors have in their heads.

Despite the recent Fifth Court ruling, it’s too soon to say the regulation is dead. There may be a rehearing, and most importantly, best practice standards will live on.

Despite the recent Fifth Court ruling, it’s too soon to say the regulation is dead. There may be a rehearing, and most importantly, best practice standards will live on.

Scheduling on-site training, attending webinars and preparing yearly checklists are among the best ways employers can fulfill their responsibilities.

Scheduling on-site training, attending webinars and preparing yearly checklists are among the best ways employers can fulfill their responsibilities, says benefits lawyer Carol Buckmann.

Plan sponsors should keep in mind that while the coverage isn’t legally required, it’s needed protection if breach accusations occur.

Scheduling on-site training, attending webinars and preparing yearly checklists are among the best ways employers can fulfill their responsibilities, says benefits lawyer Carol Buckmann.

Employers should review documents before sending them out to employees, understand plan provisions and consult advisers when needed, among other guidelines.

A substantial watering-down of the protections in the rule is possible, says Carol Buckmann, so the ultimate status of the new regulation is still in question.

A substantial watering-down of the protections in the rule is possible, says Carol Buckmann, so the ultimate status of the new regulation is still in question.

The DOL recently released a FAQ to help plan sponsors understand their role before the fiduciary rule goes into effect.

As the chances of getting audited by the IRS or Department of Labor become greater, more fiduciaries are realizing that carefully thought-out plan politics are the best defense.

One of the biggest mistakes that can be made is starting off by simply accepting the service provider’s form service agreements, says benefits lawyer Carol Buckmann.

One of the biggest mistakes that can be made is starting off by simply accepting the service provider’s form service agreements, says benefits lawyer Carol Buckmann.

The big question is whether any decisions upholding the DOL rule will be nullified by actions of the new Trump administration, says benefits lawyer Carol Buckmann.

Challenges to the DOL rule have created some unfortunate confusion about the vulnerability of the final rule.