Michelle T. Olson

Michelle Olson partners with employers to identify and minimize legal risks arising from complex human resources and employment law matters.

A trusted advisor to companies and non-profit organizations of all sizes, she provides practical, business-focused advice that aligns with clients’ business goals and values.

Michelle helps employers navigate all phases of the employment relationship—from hiring to termination and everything in between. She guides clients through all matters related to equal employment opportunity, diversity, equity and inclusion, pay equality and transparency, disability and pregnancy accommodation, performance management, employee discipline and discharge, workforce restructuring and hybrid work. Her legal expertise encompasses the ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Title VII, Title IX, ADEA, OWBPA and PWFA, among others.

Michelle has extensive experience conducting investigations into discrimination, harassment, bullying, retaliation and other alleged wrongdoing. She routinely drafts and negotiates employment, confidentiality, severance and other work-related agreements, and she works closely with clients to prepare thoughtful workplace policies and trainings that comply with applicable law and best practice.

In mergers and acquisitions, Michelle conducts comprehensive due diligence reviews, helping clients identify and mitigate legal risks across industries such as manufacturing, health care, financial services, and retail. She provides clear guidance on wage and hour compliance, the classification of independent contractors and exempt employees, and the payment of wages and overtime. She also represents employers in employment-related litigation and advises companies and non-profits on strategies for litigation avoidance.

Beyond her client work, Michelle co-chairs the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, where she has helped increase the firm’s pro bono hours by nearly 40%. She also serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for SisterHouse, a residential recovery home for women in Oak Park.

Experience

• Negotiated the successful resolution of discrimination and retaliation claims made by a tenured faculty member at a private university.
• Investigated alleged inappropriate conduct by a high-ranking executive at a publicly traded company.
• Guided a large nonprofit organization through the investigation of discrimination claims made by and against members of its executive team.