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Groom Law Group Expands Its Federal Regulatory Expertise

Groom Law Group, Chartered, a prominent firm in employee benefits, health, and retirement law, has recently bolstered its team by welcoming six new professionals. This includes five attorneys and a Health Policy Advisor who bring with them extensive experience from various federal agencies including the Departments of Labor (DOL) and Health and Human Services (HHS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).

The new additions are:

• - Amber Rivers (formerly with DOL)
• - Michelle Koltov (formerly with HHS)
• - William Fischer (formerly with IRS)
• - Brandon Ford (formerly with IRS)
• - Joshua Fruto (formerly with IRS)
• - Gabrielle Graves (formerly with PBGC)

This infusion of talent comes as part of Groom’s overarching strategy to strengthen its advisory platform, built on deep regulatory insight. The firm aims to enhance its services for employers, plan sponsors, health insurers, and financial institutions across the nation.

Enhanced Health Practice

Katie Bjornstad Amin, the firm's Executive Principal, emphasized that a key strength of Groom lies in its real-time understanding of the regulatory landscape governing benefits, health, and retirement. The new professionals, particularly Amber Rivers and Michelle Koltov, who held significant roles in their respective agencies, will provide invaluable insights to clients, navigating the complexities of compliance and regulatory matters effectively.

Profiles of the New Team Members

• - Amber Rivers will serve in Groom’s Health practice, where she will advise on complex regulatory and compliance issues, covering critical legislation such as ERISA, the Affordable Care Act, the No Surprises Act, and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Her prior experience as Director at the Office of Health Plan Standards and Compliance Assistance at EBSA, DOL, positions her well to address the needs of employers and plan sponsors.

• - Michelle Koltov, stepping in as Health Policy Advisor, brings her role as Deputy Division Director at CCIIO, CMS, HHS. She will represent health plan and insurer clients before HHS, DOL, and IRS, offering guidance on regulatory developments and compliance navigation, covering laws impacting health benefits and welfare.

• - William Fischer, with experience at IRS's Office of Chief Counsel, will focus on tax-related matters, advising on issues regarding cafeteria plans, health savings accounts, and COBRA.

• - Brandon Ford and Joshua Fruto, both from the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, will provide counsel on retirement plans, assisting sponsors with tax compliance, plan design, and maintenance.

• - Gabrielle Graves, formerly with the PBGC, will guide plan sponsors and fiduciaries on ERISA compliance and plan governance issues.

Future of Groom Law Group

The addition of these professionals reflects Groom's commitment to providing high-caliber legal services that are attuned to the evolving regulatory climate affecting employee benefits and health care. The firm is poised to continue delivering the exceptional insight and quality of service its clients expect, leveraging the unique experiences and expertise of its new team members.

With the complex landscape of health care and employee benefits continually changing, Groom Law Group is well-positioned to offer comprehensive solutions shaped by the extensive knowledge and firsthand experience of its enhanced workforce.