Navigating Complex Benefits Law: Brandie Barrows on Supporting Employers and Plans Across Industries
With more than two decades of experience in employee benefits law, Brandie Barrows brings a depth of knowledge and precision that is invaluable to both private-sector and government-affiliated clients. Her practice focuses on helping ERISA and non-federal governmental health and retirement plans navigate the intricate landscape of federal and state regulations. Brandie’s nuanced understanding of compliance, plan design, and fiduciary responsibilities positions her as a trusted advisor across a broad range of industries. Her ability to translate dense legal frameworks into actionable guidance ensures her clients, whether large or small, are supported with clarity and confidence.
Q: Prior to joining Taylor Duma, what was your legal background? How has that evolved into what your practice looks like today?
A: I’ve spent over 20 years focused almost exclusively on employee benefits law, advising both ERISA and non-federal governmental health and retirement benefit plans on how to comply with ever-evolving federal and state regulations. My work is highly plan-centric; if a plan is collectively bargained, the plan itself is my client. When the plan isn’t collectively bargained, then my client is typically the employer or plan sponsor. My role has always been to help ensure that these plans are not only compliant but structured in a way that best serves the participants. Over time, my practice has evolved to cover a wide variety of plans, and I’ve developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of both large institutions and smaller entities.
Q: Is there a specific region where most of your clients are located? How does your legal practice cater to those types of clients specifically?
A: My non-federal governmental clients are located in California, where state-specific regulations require a very specialized understanding of public plan compliance. For ERISA clients, geography isn’t a limitation. I work with clients nationwide. Regardless of location, I provide tailored, detail-oriented counsel that accounts for the specific regulatory environment and operational realities of each client.
Q: Is there a specific client size or model that works best with your legal practice? How so?
A: I’ve worked with a wide range of client types, from small employers to large plans with participants in the six-figure range. That diversity has given me the flexibility to adapt my approach based on the complexity and scale of each plan. Smaller clients often need more hands-on support navigating compliance and benefit plan structure, while larger plans may require a deeper focus on risk management, audits, and fiduciary oversight. I’m comfortable working across that spectrum, and I tailor my guidance accordingly.
Q: How does your practice intersect with the manufacturing industry? Have you worked with any manufacturing clients to date?
A: I’ve worked indirectly with manufacturers through collectively bargained health plans where manufacturing employers were among the contributing entities. While I haven’t represented a manufacturer directly, the core issues they face, compliance with health benefit laws, determining eligibility, or understanding their obligations under federal and state law, are universal. Whether you’re running a plant or an office, employers face many of the same compliance challenges, and my role is to help them manage those responsibilities effectively.
Q: What sparks your interest the most about the manufacturing industry? Are you seeing any trends in your region or where your clients are located?
A: My focus has always been on the benefit plans themselves, regardless of the industry. What interests me most is ensuring that these plans are designed and maintained in a way that protects both the employer and the participants. That said, I recognize the unique pressures manufacturing employers face, especially in today’s competitive labor market. A compliant and well-structured benefits package can be a powerful tool for recruitment and retention and that’s where my work intersects meaningfully with the industry.