Amber A. Ward

Amber advises on the full scope of employee benefit plans, including the design, implementation, and operation of qualified retirement plans—such as 401(k), defined contribution, and defined benefit plans—and nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements.

She has significant experience with health and welfare plan design and compliance, including group health plans, cafeteria plans under Section 125, health savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, and flexible spending accounts, as well as wellness and fringe benefit programs. Her work often involves analyzing complex tax issues and advising clients on associated risks.

Amber regularly advises on compliance, governance, and risk management under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, as well as other federal laws affecting employee benefit plans. She works closely with clients on plan administration and day-to-day operational matters, providing practical, real-time guidance on correcting plan failures under IRS correction programs, addressing fiduciary governance issues, and coordinating benefits with payroll and administrative systems.

Amber also advises on executive compensation arrangements, including employment agreements, change-in-control agreements, and incentive compensation programs, with experience in supplemental executive retirement plans, deferred compensation, and compliance with Sections 409A.