Michael Wieber

Simplifying complex employee benefits legal issues

Mike Wieber guides clients through the many legal complexities of employee benefits. He has a deep understanding of employee stock ownership plans (ESOP) from the perspectives of trustees, lenders, record keepers and plan sponsors. He also provides counsel on the ever-changing landscape of fiduciary investment rules and advises plan sponsors and trustees on fiduciary best practices. He assists publicly traded, tax-exempt and government employers of all sizes across an array of industries. His clients include:

• HR professionals
• Business managers, trustees and custodians
• Third-part administrators (TPA), plan sponsors, investment advisors and record keepers
• Religious entities, including a diversity of congregations and denominations, religious hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities and a Christian theological library

With almost 20 years of experience as in-house counsel with two nationally recognized trustees and plan record keepers, Mike's experience in how and where legal decisions intersect with business objectives adds great value for his clients. He is both deliberate and proactive, and this approach yields straightforward, cost-efficient solutions to complex legal issues.

• Guides business owners in the transition to ESOPs. Mike understands the pressure points involved in these unique plans and knows how to guide plan sponsors through the complex ESOP tax and fiduciary regulatory landscape. He also is well versed in review of valuation reports and trustee fiduciary responsibilities.
• Helps clients navigate the ever-changing landscape of fiduciary investment rules and advises plan sponsors and trustees on fiduciary best practices.
• Works with third-party administrators in ongoing compliance testing and legal aspects of real property dispositions. When disputes arise, Mike is a seasoned resolution strategist who expertly negotiates and litigates, when necessary, to achieve optimal outcomes for his clients.
• Advises clients on a variety of Affordable Care Act, COBRA and HIPAA planning and compliance minefields. He has focused specifically on the impact of the many pieces of COVID-19 legislative and regulatory guidance.
• Assists with the design, implementation, administration and termination of employer plans. While guiding plan sponsors through the technical aspects of plan design and administration, Mike also ensures each employer's plan is aligned with its overall compensation philosophy.