Industry focus
I work to provide practical and understandable solutions on all employee benefits issues.
How I represent clients at Schwabe
I am an employee benefits attorney that assists employers and service providers with Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) compliance. I advise a range of clients, including plan sponsors from both public and private sectors, third-party administrators, and investment professionals. My goal is to provide practical and understandable solutions while ensuring compliance with the complex standards of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Affordable Care Act.
I also assist in resolving plan issues through the IRS’ Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System and the DOL’s Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program. My experience as a Board Member and Program Chair of the Western Pension & Benefits Conference and my frequent speaking engagements on employee benefits topics highlight my commitment to this field.
Experience
- Assist clients with design, implementation, and administration of tax-qualified retirement plans (including 401(k), 403(b), defined benefit, and cash balance plans)
- Represent clients in IRS audits and DOL examinations
- Prepare service agreements for a variety of retirement and health plan service providers
- Advise clients with respect to correction of plan errors and prepare corrective submissions to the IRS and DOL
- Design health plan programs to meet the employer’s goals and ensure compliance with the Affordable Care Act
- Provide due diligence for employee benefit matters in mergers & acquisitions
Education
- Lewis & Clark Law School, Juris Doctor, cum laude (2004)
- Lewis & Clark, Bachelor of Arts, Biology (1999)
Admissions
- Oregon State Courts
Memberships
- American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries, Associated Professional Member (2007-2025)
- Mid-Valley Tax Forum Planning Committee, Member (2015-2020)
- Western Benefits Council, Board Member (2008-2012)
- ASPPA and WBC Joint Conference Planning Committee, Member (2009-2010)
Awards
Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2009
Services
Community Activities
Tandem Northwest Inc., President of the Board (2008-2025)
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