Supporting M&A and Benefits Issues Across Transactions

Sarah is an associate in Willcox Savage’s Corporate and Employee Benefits practice, advising employer plan sponsors and corporate clients on ERISA and Internal Revenue Code issues that affect retirement and health and welfare plans. Clients rely on Sarah for clear research, meticulous compliance support, and training that keeps programs current with IRS and Department of Labor guidance. Sarah also  supports Mergers & Acquisition transactions from due diligence through integration, coordinating across Corporate and Employee Benefits to surface benefits risks early and structure practical solutions.

Notable Work & Achievements

Correcting operational errors in qualified plans

For plan sponsors confronting late remittances and failed ADP/ACP nondiscrimination tests, Sarah assists with filings and compliance corrections before the IRS and the Department of Labor. She helps clients align plan operations with regulatory requirements, documents remedial steps, and positions plans for ongoing compliance.

Transactional support bridging Corporate and Employee Benefits

Sarah partners with the Corporate team on mergers and acquisitions, coordinating benefits diligence and integration so that compensation, 401(k) and other retirement plans, and health and welfare plans transition smoothly. Her work connects deal strategy with benefits compliance, helping clients navigate overlapping ERISA and I.R.C. considerations.

Designing client education that improves compliance

She develops and delivers training and periodic updates for employers that administer complex benefit programs, translating evolving agency guidance into clear, actionable steps for HR and in-house counsel. These sessions help reduce errors, improve day-to-day administration, and prepare teams for audits.

Structuring and Negotiating Sales, Supply, and Services Contracts

Sarah advises local, regional and national employers with the review and negotiations of commercial contracts, including sales, supply, and services agreements.

Expanding benefits using qualified disaster assistance

For a national employer evaluating employee relief options, Sarah researched qualified disaster assistance payments under I.R.C. Section 139, outlining eligibility, substantiation, and implementation pathways to add timely support without creating taxable income for employees.