Ms. Olson partners with employers to identify and minimize legal risks arising from both routine and complex human resources and employment law matters.  A trusted advisor to employers of all sizes, Ms. Olson provides practical, business-focused advice that aligns with the goals and culture of her clients.  Ms. Olson has extensive experience in employment counseling, policy development, merger and acquisition due diligence, contract drafting and interpretation and internal investigations.  She also represents employers in employment-related litigation in federal court and administrative agencies and advises clients regarding employment best practices and litigation avoidance.

Employment Counseling, Policy Development and Litigation

Ms. Olson regularly advises clients on a wide range of employment laws, including the ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Title VII, ADEA and PWFA.  She provides comprehensive and strategic advice on a variety of topics, including anti-discrimination and harassment, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), pay transparency, disability and pregnancy accommodation, leaves of absence, employee hiring, discipline and discharge, workforce restructuring, hybrid and remote work, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).  She also regularly advises employers on wage and hour compliance, including the classification of independent contractors and exempt employees and the payment of wages and overtime.

Ms. Olson helps clients develop comprehensive and thoughtful workplace policies and procedures that align with the needs of their business.  She drafts and updates employee handbooks and workplace procedures and provides engaging, interactive trainings for managers and employees.  Ms. Olson’s counseling practice spans a variety of industries including higher education, health care, financial services, trade and professional organizations and nonprofits.  Ms. Olson also represents employers in federal court and administrative agencies, defending them against claims of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.   

M&A Due Diligence and Employment Contracts

Ms. Olson works closely with the firm’s corporate team to conduct comprehensive due diligence review and analysis in mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.  She regularly advises both buyers and sellers in stock and asset acquisitions and identifies employment-related legal risks for target companies operating in industries across the United States, including in manufacturing, construction, financial services, health care and retail.

Ms. Olson has extensive experience drafting employment agreements for executives, middle management and rank-and-file employees, including confidentiality agreements, restrictive covenants, separation agreements and independent contractor agreements.  Ms. Olson is well versed in ADEA, OWBPA and WARN requirements.

Internal Investigations

Ms. Olson has served as both independent investigator and external counsel in investigating and responding to sensitive internal complaints, including those of harassment, discrimination, bullying and retaliation. Ms. Olson builds rapport with clients and witnesses by listening closely and understanding their different perspectives. She works diligently to ensure that investigations are conducted swiftly and thoroughly and any resulting remedial measures are effective.

Public Service and Honors

Ms. Olson co-chairs the firm’s Pro Bono Committee and has diligently worked to expand the firm’s pro bono offerings. During her tenure, she helped to increase the number of pro bono hours worked by firm attorneys by nearly 40%. She also serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors of SisterHouse, a residential recovery home for women in Oak Park. 

Ms. Olson was recognized as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2024 Notable Women in Law for her work and leadership in the legal field. From 2023 to 2025, Ms. Olson was recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America in the Labor and Employment Law (Management), and from 2016 to 2020, Ms. Olson was selected as an Illinois Rising Star in Employment Litigation: Defense by Super Lawyers.

Other Experience

Ms. Olson previously clerked for the Honorable Joan H. Lefkow of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Olson worked as a legislative aide for the Illinois House of Representatives.

Ms. Olson received her J.D. from Northwestern School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  She is licensed to practice law in Illinois.