Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion

Williams Mullen

Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion provides employers with critical information regarding their benefits plans. From ESOPs to pension plans, from health plans to stock-based compensation, severance agreements and more, our attorneys and guests provide listeners with tips, tricks and key takeaways to consider within the world of employee benefits.

  1. Alternative Investments in 401(k)s: Proposed Regs and What Plan Fiduciaries Need to Know

    APR 22

    Alternative Investments in 401(k)s: Proposed Regs and What Plan Fiduciaries Need to Know

    On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Sarah Parker, of SageView Advisory Group to discuss the U.S. Department of Labor's proposed regulations on alternative investments in participant-directed retirement plans. The proposal would clarify a fiduciary's duty of prudence under ERISA and establish a potential safe harbor. Brydon and Sarah break down what the proposal means for plan sponsors, investment committees, and other fiduciaries overseeing 401(k) plans. They also explore the potential opportunities, risks, and practical considerations employers should evaluate now as the rules develop.

    14 min
  2. 2026 To Do: HIPAA Compliance

    APR 13

    2026 To Do: HIPAA Compliance

    On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Nathan Kottkamp, partner in Williams Mullen's Health Care Section, to break down what HIPAA really means for employers. Brydon and Nathan walk through why employer-sponsored health plans trigger HIPAA obligations, what companies actually need to have in place (including policies and procedures), and which types of employee health information fall outside HIPAA's scope. They also highlight some lesser-known upsides of compliance.

    17 min
  3. 2026 To Do: Your Employee Handbook

    MAR 12

    2026 To Do: Your Employee Handbook

    On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Stephanie Karn, partner in the Labor, Employment and Immigration Section at William Mullen, to discuss one of the most common questions employers face: what should an employee handbook actually include? They explore whether every employer truly needs a handbook, why including "everything but the kitchen sink" can sometimes create more problems than it solves, and the core policies that should always be included to set clear expectations and support compliance. If you're responsible for HR, benefits, or people management, this episode offers practical insights to help you build (or refresh) a handbook that actually works for both your organization and your employees.

    13 min
  4. Why NAPA Matters for Plan Sponsors and Benefits Professionals

    FEB 2

    Why NAPA Matters for Plan Sponsors and Benefits Professionals

    On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Lisa Drake, Managing Director at SageView Advisory Group and President of the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA). Together, they explore how employers, plan sponsors, and benefits professionals can leverage NAPA as a strategic resource. The conversation covers NAPA's mission and advocacy efforts, its role in shaping retirement plan policy and best practices. Whether you're new to NAPA or looking to deepen your involvement, join us for an enlightening conversation.

    12 min
  5. Benefits Industry Predictions for 2026

    JAN 23

    Benefits Industry Predictions for 2026

    On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Beryl Ball, principal financial advisor at CAPTRUST, to discuss key benefits industry trends expected in 2026. They examine anticipated Department of Labor rulemaking, evolving fiduciary obligations, ERISA litigation trends and the growing focus on participant outcomes. The conversation offers practical insights to help employers, benefits administrators and plan fiduciaries prepare for the year ahead.

    16 min
  6. Voluntary Benefits and the Rising Risk for Employers

    JAN 9

    Voluntary Benefits and the Rising Risk for Employers

    In this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt sits down with Amy Hollis, CEO of Employees First, for a candid and eye-opening conversation about voluntary benefits—an area with associated risk many employers offer but few truly understand. Brydon and Amy pull back the curtain on what actually happens to employees' premium dollars once they leave the paycheck, why voluntary benefits often carry significantly higher broker commissions, and how these behind-the-scenes mechanics impact cost, value and transparency for employers and employees alike. Editor's Note: Since this episode was recorded, a significant ERISA development has occurred. A brief postscript has been added to address the implications of recently filed litigation, underscoring the growing legal risk in this area.

    33 min
  7. Paid Sick Leave for All Virginians? Breaking Down HB5

    12/18/2025

    Paid Sick Leave for All Virginians? Breaking Down HB5

    On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt talks with Matt Anderson, a partner in Williams Mullen's Labor, Employment and Immigration Section, about a proposed Virginia bill that would significantly expand paid sick leave rights for employees across the Commonwealth. They'll discuss a brief history of Virginia's paid sick leave law, details of House Bill No. 5 (HB5) and its potential impact for employers.

    15 min
  8. Private Markets, Public Plans: What Sponsors Need to Know

    10/21/2025

    Private Markets, Public Plans: What Sponsors Need to Know

    On this episode of Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt talks with Sarah Parker of SageView Advisory Group about the growing interest in private markets within defined contribution retirement plans. They explore what "private markets" really mean, why more plan sponsors are considering them, and how these investments could impact participants' long-term outcomes. Whether you're a plan sponsor, fiduciary, or benefits professional, this episode offers insights into the opportunities and complexities of integrating private markets into defined contribution plans.

    14 min
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Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion provides employers with critical information regarding their benefits plans. From ESOPs to pension plans, from health plans to stock-based compensation, severance agreements and more, our attorneys and guests provide listeners with tips, tricks and key takeaways to consider within the world of employee benefits.

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