Advanced Certificate in Employee Benefits Law

ERISA fiduciary liability, DOL audits, and complex compliance requirements are too high-stakes for trial and error. In 2 intensive days, learn from practicing benefits attorneys who defend plans, manage audits, and navigate the regulatory issues where mistakes cost millions. Leave with the expertise to protect your organization and the ongoing support to stay current.

Register Now: $1,575
Delivery Options:
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45+ YEARS
Employment Law Training
|
80,000+
Certificates Earned
|
PRACTICING ATTORNEYS
Not Academics

Master the Complex Regulatory Landscape That Keeps Benefits Professionals Up at Night

The Advanced Certificate in Employee Benefits Law is 2 intensive days where you'll build advanced ERISA and fiduciary expertise with practicing benefits attorneys who defend plans and manage audits daily. You'll work through real regulatory scenarios, not theoretical lectures.

What Sets This Program Apart

  • Advanced benefits compliance and defense – SECURE 2.0 implementation, fiduciary litigation trends, DOL/IRS audit management, MHPAEA comparative analysis, ACA enforcement defense, and emerging health plan risks
  • Advanced problem-solving – Navigate plan error corrections, fiduciary breach scenarios, DOL audit responses, mental health parity compliance, and the complex regulatory issues where mistakes cost millions
  • Expert benefits attorney instruction – Learn from ERISA specialists at firms including Alston & Bird and Thompson Hine who defend fiduciary litigation, manage government audits, and handle the sophisticated benefits matters most professionals never encounter
  • Professional certification – Earn your certificate plus 13 SHRM/HRCI/CLE continuing education credits
  • Ongoing support, not one-and-done – Your investment includes quarterly legal updates, faculty access, and alumni resources that keep you current as regulations change. View participant benefits →
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Who Should Attend

This advanced program is designed for experienced benefits professionals who need expert-level content on fiduciary defense, DOL audits, and current regulatory changes

Senior Benefits Managers & Directors

You've mastered the fundamentals—now the landscape is shifting under your feet. SECURE 2.0 deadlines, mental health parity enforcement, excessive fee litigation. Build the advanced expertise to stay ahead of regulatory changes and protect your organization from the compliance failures that end careers.

Benefits Compliance Officers

MHPAEA comparative analyses, ACA affordability calculations, plan error corrections. The documentation requirements keep expanding, and the penalties for getting it wrong keep climbing. Master the advanced compliance frameworks that satisfy DOL auditors and defend your programs.

Plan Fiduciaries & Committee Members

Fiduciary liability is personal liability. Hughes v. Northwestern changed the excessive fee landscape, and DOL enforcement is intensifying. Learn the prudent processes, documentation standards, and defense strategies that protect you—not just your organization—from costly breach claims.

In-House Benefits Counsel

ERISA litigation trends, fiduciary rule developments, mental health parity enforcement. Stay current on the evolving case law and regulatory guidance that shapes your advice. Earn 13 CLE credits while building practical frameworks from peers who defend benefit plans and manage government audits.

HR Leaders Overseeing Benefits Functions

Your benefits team handles complex fiduciary decisions daily. Send them to build the advanced regulatory expertise your organization needs—or attend yourself to understand the sophisticated compliance risks that keep landing on your desk. Many organizations send benefits and legal together for better coordination.

IAML Alumni & Returning Professionals

Benefits law changed more in the last 18 months than the previous five years. SECURE 2.0 implementation, DOL fiduciary rule saga, mental health parity crackdown. Your alumni pricing ($300 off) makes it practical to maintain cutting-edge expertise as the regulatory landscape evolves.

What You'll Master in 2 Days

Master the advanced regulatory landscape of employee benefits. Learn the strategies practicing benefits attorneys use daily to defend fiduciary decisions, manage government audits, and navigate emerging compliance requirements. You'll leave with expertise you can apply the following week.

Plan Governance

Prevent Problems Through Better Processes

Foundation

Committee structure

Establish retirement plan committees with proper charters and oversight

Foundation

Fiduciary checklists

Implement compliance calendars for all required filings and notices

Advanced

Service provider oversight

Use prudent processes for selecting and monitoring vendors

Advanced

Investment monitoring

Fulfill fiduciary duties through documented review procedures

Expert

Plan expense management

Know which costs can be paid from plan assets versus employer funds

Foundation

SECURE 2.0 implementation

Navigate the retirement plan changes that took effect and understand what's coming next

Advanced

SECURE 3.0 proposals

Prepare for potential new legislation lowering plan participation age to 18

Advanced

DOL fiduciary rule saga

Understand the latest investment advice regulations and who's treated as an ERISA fiduciary

Expert

Recent court decisions

Learn how Supreme Court cases are impacting employee benefit plans

Expert

Agency guidance updates

Get the latest from IRS, PBGC, and DOL that affects your plans

Foundation

Who is a fiduciary

Identify all plan fiduciaries (often more people than you realize)

Foundation

Core duties update

Apply loyalty, prudence, diversification, and plan document adherence in 2026

Advanced

Excessive fee litigation

Understand the 401(k) and 403(b) lawsuit trends post-Hughes v. Northwestern

Advanced

Health plan fee lawsuits

Learn about emerging class actions targeting pharmacy benefit manager costs

Expert

Liability minimization

Use diligent oversight, documentation, and insurance to reduce personal exposure

Foundation

Allowable plan expenses

Know what can be charged to plan assets versus paid by the employer

Foundation

Fee transparency

Comply with broker and consultant compensation disclosure requirements

Advanced

Provider RFPs

Conduct competitive bidding that documents prudent fiduciary process

Advanced

Fee benchmarking

Monitor vendor fees for reasonableness against market standards

Expert

Contract management

Leverage contractual rights to ensure you receive services paid for

Foundation

Security risk assessments

Conduct regular evaluations of health plan vulnerabilities

Advanced

DOL cybersecurity guidance

Treat data protection as a fiduciary duty of prudence

Advanced

Breach notification obligations

Respond effectively when breaches occur

Expert

Vendor contract provisions

Require encryption, multi-factor authentication, and incident response plans

Expert

Cyber insurance

Use coverage to limit exposure from increasingly frequent attacks

Foundation

ERISA preemption strategy

Understand how self-funded plans can offer abortion benefits

Advanced

Travel benefit design

Structure reimbursement for out-of-state care without tax complications

Advanced

Privacy protections

Safeguard employee information related to sensitive benefits

Expert

Fertility and contraception

Handle coverage in states with varying legal stances

Expert

Communication strategies

Clearly explain benefits while respecting employee privacy

Foundation

NQTL comparative analysis

Prepare written documentation required upon DOL request

Advanced

2024 final regulations

Understand rules under non-enforcement review and existing parity law

Advanced

Common parity violations

Avoid restrictive precertification and network reimbursement issues

Expert

Wellness program rules

Navigate overlapping ACA/HIPAA, ADA, and GINA requirements

Expert

Incentive limitations

Structure health-contingent programs within legal limits

Foundation

ACA coverage mandates

Ensure preventive services are covered without cost-sharing

Advanced

Mental health parity NQTLs

Produce comparative analyses showing limitations aren't more restrictive

Advanced

Wellness program violations

Design incentives that comply with HIPAA, ACA, and ADA requirements

Expert

COBRA timing errors

Handle notices correctly now that COVID outbreak extensions have ended

Expert

HIPAA security gaps

Close vulnerabilities that lead to costly data breaches

Foundation

Employer mandate

Make compliant coverage offers to full-time employees at affordable rates

Advanced

Measurement periods

Manage variable-hour workers to minimize penalty exposure

Advanced

Family glitch fix

Understand how 2023 regulations affect Exchange subsidy eligibility

Expert

Electronic reporting

File Forms 1094-C/1095-C correctly under lowered IRS thresholds

Expert

Affordability calculations

Adjust strategies as IRS percentages shift annually

Foundation

Section 105(h) testing

Ensure self-insured medical plans don't favor highly compensated employees

Advanced

Section 125 cafeteria plans

Apply average benefits tests and eligibility requirements

Advanced

Group life insurance

Handle Section 79 nondiscrimination for excess coverage

Expert

Dependent care programs

Test assistance benefits properly

Expert

Failure consequences

Understand tax impacts and correction options

Foundation

ICHRA fundamentals

Structure Individual Coverage HRAs to satisfy the ACA employer mandate

Advanced

Class-based eligibility

Design ICHRA offerings that comply with nondiscrimination rules

Advanced

Affordability requirements

Calculate properly so employees aren't left with unaffordable coverage

Expert

Integration issues

Handle ICHRA interaction with Medicare, HSAs, and COBRA

Expert

Private exchanges

Compare group plans versus exchange models for controlling costs

Foundation

Excepted benefit status

Determine when clinics are exempt from ACA market reforms

Advanced

HSA eligibility preservation

Structure services to avoid disqualifying HSA participants

Advanced

HIPAA privacy concerns

Handle clinic records that may be subject to privacy rules

Expert

De minimis service limits

Provide first aid and preventive care without creating group health plan

Expert

Cost containment strategies

Reduce expenses while maintaining compliance

Foundation

EPCRS enhancements

Self-correct a wider range of failures without IRS approval under expanded programs

Foundation

Eligible inadvertent failures

Use Notice 2023-43 guidance for flexible self-correction options

Advanced

DOL's updated VFCP

Navigate the new self-correction component for delinquent contributions and loan errors

Expert

Choosing the right venue

Know when to self-correct versus submitting to IRS or DOL programs

Expert

Case study applications

Learn correction methods through real-world examples

Foundation

Audit triggers

Understand what flags plans for government scrutiny

Advanced

DOL focus areas

Prepare for examinations of late deposits, missing participants, and cybersecurity

Advanced

IRS priorities

Handle operational compliance reviews, testing failures, and required amendments

Expert

Self-audit procedures

Spot and fix issues before regulators discover them

Expert

Negotiation strategies

Minimize penalties if violations are found during examination

Included With Every Registration

We're With You Before the Program Starts

Every IAML registration includes a complimentary 15-minute consultation with our program team. Tell us what's keeping you up at night: the DOL audit you're preparing for, the fiduciary decision you're second-guessing, the mental health parity analysis you're unsure about.

We brief your instructor on the issues participants are facing. Your real-world scenarios become teaching examples. You leave with strategies for YOUR situations, not theoretical exercises.

REGISTER NOW

STEP 1

Tell Us What You're Facing

15-minute call to share your specific challenges

STEP 2

We Brief Your Instructor

Your scenarios shape the classroom discussion

STEP 3

Leave With Real Answers

Not generic advice—solutions you'll use Monday morning

Get the Full Program Details

Whether you're attending yourself or building the case to send your team, our program guide has everything you need: curriculum, CE credits, investment breakdown, and outcomes.

Download Full Program Package →

Upcoming In-Person Sessions

Join practicing ERISA attorneys for intensive, hands-on training with the professional credits you need.

Hotel Details

Practicing Attorneys, Not Academics

Learn from employment law attorneys who practice what they teach. Your instructors actively handle union campaigns, defend discrimination charges, and win employment law cases - then share exactly what works in real courtrooms and workplaces.

Ray Deeny, Esq.

Ray Deeny, Esq.

Partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Ray is widely regarded as a dean of labor and employment law, known for his encyclopedic knowledge and unmatched command of workplace regulations. For over 40 years, he has represented management nationwide, blending a powerhouse advisory practice with a formidable litigation record.

Read Ray's full bio →
John F. Wymer, III, Esq.

John F. Wymer, III, Esq.

Partner, Labor & Employment at Thompson Hine LLP

John F. Wymer is a nationally recognized labor and employment attorney and partner in Thompson Hine LLP's Labor & Employment group. With decades of experience, he represents public and private sector employers nationwide in employment discrimination, wage-and-hour, labor negotiations, union matters, ERISA claims, and more.

Read John's full bio →
Wayne W. Williams, Esq.

Wayne W. Williams, Esq.

Founder, Law Offices of Wayne W. Williams

Wayne Williams is a distinguished employment and labor law attorney based in Colorado Springs. As the founder of his own firm, he advises and represents employers on a wide range of issues including employment discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, wage and hour compliance, and traditional labor law.

Read Wayne's full bio →
Dawn R. Kubik, Esq.

Dawn R. Kubik, Esq.

Of Counsel, Kubik Workplace & Investigative Services

Dawn Kubik is an employment attorney and founder of Kubik Workplace and Investigative Services and Dawn R. Kubik, P.C. With a legal career spanning since 1997, she has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in employment, personal injury, contract, and insurance disputes, earning a reputation as a strategic, well-prepared, and highly communicative advocate.

Read Dawn's full bio →
Patrick Scully

Patrick Scully, Esq.

Partner at Foley Hoag

Patrick Scully primarily focuses on labor law issues and helps clients successfully navigate complex and persistent claims from international and local labor unions. Patrick's work includes unfair labor practice charges and representation cases as well as federal and state court litigation. He frequently advises employers in collective bargaining negotiations and handles labor arbitration.

Read Patrick's full bio →
Rudi S. Turner, Esq.

Rudi S. Turner, Esq.

Senior Corporate Counsel, White Cap

Rudi is Senior In-House Counsel at White Cap, where she counsels and defends the organization as it responds to administrative agency complaints, potential litigation, and employee lawsuits. Drawing on extensive experience in labor and employment law, she supports leaders and HR professionals in navigating complex workplace issues.

Read Rudi's full bio →
Jacqueline E. Kalk, Esq.

Jacqueline E. Kalk, Esq.

Shareholder at Littler Mendelson P.C.

Jacqueline E. Kalk represents and advises management across industries including manufacturing, construction, crowd-sourcing, and virtual companies. She focuses on independent contractor classification, wage-and-hour compliance, equal pay, and employment litigation, defending clients in state and federal courts.

Read Jacqueline's full bio →
Grant S. Gibeau

Grant S. Gibeau

Partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Grant Gibeau is a partner in Taft's Minneapolis Employment and Labor Relations practice group. Grant's practice primarily focuses on helping employers navigate all aspects of the employment relationship, from identifying workplace best practices and policies, drafting employee handbooks, and vigorously defending against claims.

Read Grant's full bio →
Amy J. Zdravecky, Esq.

Amy J. Zdravecky, Esq.

Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Amy represents employers across industries including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. She advises on employee relations, union avoidance, collective bargaining, harassment prevention, and compliance with key employment laws like Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, and FCRA.

Read Amy's full bio →

✨ Exclusive Attendee Benefits

  • Pre-Program Consultation

    Identify your priorities and customize your learning focus before day one.

  • Professional Credits

    Earn 13 SHRM/HRCI/CLE credits, plus 6 additional credits from your quarterly updates.

  • Ongoing Development

    12 months of quarterly employment law updates keep you current as regulations change.

  • Alumni Advantages

    $300 off all future programs—for you and every colleague you refer.

Pre-Program Consultation

Identify your priorities and customize your learning focus before day one.

Quick Answers

We know you're busy. Here's what you actually need to know.

This 2-day Advanced Certificate is designed for benefits professionals who already have foundational ERISA knowledge and need expert-level content on fiduciary defense, DOL audits, and current regulatory changes. If you're newer to benefits law, consider starting with our Certificate in Employee Benefits Law, which provides comprehensive foundational coverage over 4½ days.
All three formats feature the same practicing attorney instructors, current content, and professional credits. In-person provides face-to-face networking and immediate interaction. Virtual delivers the same live instruction via Zoom with full Q&A capability. On-demand lets you learn at your own pace over 90 days with the ability to pause and revisit complex topics. Choose the format that fits your schedule and learning style—the quality and content remain identical.
Within minutes, you'll receive an invoice email. Once payment is processed, you can schedule your complimentary pre-program consultation (10-15 minutes) to discuss your specific workplace challenges and identify which program content will have the biggest impact for you. Pre-program materials arrive one week before your session starts.
This 2-day program provides 13 SHRM/HRCI/CLE credits. Plus, your enrollment includes 12 months of quarterly employment law updates (4 sessions × 1.5 credits each = 6 additional credits), bringing your total to 19 credits. Combined with our foundational Certificate in Employee Benefits Law (17.5 credits), you can earn over 36 credits total.
IAML is an approved provider for both SHRM and HRCI. We provide you with documentation at the end of your program that includes all information needed to self-report your credits. For SHRM, you'll receive a completion certificate with our provider ID. For HRCI, you'll get the documentation to submit credits directly to HRCI. We walk you through the process during the program.
Your materials are living resources that update continuously as employment law changes. Unlike static textbooks that become outdated immediately after publication, our content reflects current court decisions, regulatory changes, and compliance requirements. Recent updates include the NLRB's Cemex decision on organizing, the Stericycle handbook standards, post-Bostock LGBTQ+ protections, and state-specific AI hiring regulations.
Your instructors handle employment law cases, defend discrimination charges, and advise employers on these exact issues daily. They're not teaching from textbooks—they're sharing strategies that work in actual courtrooms and real workplaces. When you ask "what do I do about [specific situation]," they answer from direct experience, not theory.
Every program enrollment includes FREE access to all four quarterly 90-minute update sessions for 12 months (valued at $1,588). These instructor-led sessions cover new regulations, court decisions, and compliance changes—delivered mid-January, April, July, and October. Each session is recorded and available within 24 hours. After your first year, you can continue receiving updates at alumni pricing.
Yes. Your $1,575 enrollment includes all live instruction, complete program materials, 13 continuing education credits, pre-program consultation, 12 months of quarterly employment law updates (4 sessions, $1,588 value), permanent access to living resources, and alumni benefits for all future programs. There are no hidden fees or additional charges.

Ready to Master Benefits Law with the Professionals' Choice in Training?

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