Susan Olson

Practice Experience

Susan Olson is an employee benefits and ERISA attorney with extensive experience in Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Plan audits, investigations and qualification for tax exempt status. Susan serves as advisor to trustees of ERISA, collectively bargained retirement plans, health and welfare plans, as well as single employer retirement and health plans.

ERISA Compliance
Susan has 20 years of ERISA compliance experience. She helps Trust Fund clients comply with the requirements of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to maintain tax exempt status. She regularly reviews Plan documents that are subject to audits by both the DOL and the IRS, Cobra, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Family Medical Leave, California Family Rights Act, Domestic Relations Orders, Qualified Medical Child Support Orders, and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Litigation
With significant experience defending lawsuits to secure benefits or to bring litigation against participants for the overpayment of benefits, Susan has trial experience with collections, third party liability, workers' compensation liens, interpleaders related to benefit disputes, and to assist the Fund Office with MediCal and Medicare demands for reimbursement.

Outside Counsel
Susan serves as regular outside counsel to her clients to update and amend trust agreements and review all service provider contracts. She has experience with Kaiser contracts, Vision Service contracts, Dental Benefit contracts, Investment Management Agreements, including Form ADV; Subscription Agreements; Private Offering Memorandums; real estate leases and amendments; software licensing agreements; insurance contracts, in particular fiduciary liability policies; and any other contractual arrangements the Fund Office considers on behalf of the Boards of Trustees.

Employment Counseling
Her employment law practice includes working with employers and their supervisors to prepare and update employee handbooks, HIPAA policies and procedures, sexual harassment policies, and substance abuse policies.