Michelle P. Thomas counsels employers on many aspects of employee benefits, including the design, implementation and operation of qualified retirement plans, executive and nonqualified deferred compensation programs, and health and welfare plans. She advises companies on compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA and PPACA. Michelle assists companies through business transactions with employee benefits due diligence and the transition of benefit programs. She also represents clients in employee benefits litigation, including pension fund contribution and benefit claim denial litigation.

Additionally, Michelle conducts operational compliance audits of qualified retirement plans and health plans. She assists clients with the correction of fiduciary errors through the Department of Labor’s Correction Program and with the correction of qualification errors through the Internal Revenue Service’s Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System.

Michelle is a frequent speaker before business and professional organizations throughout the country. She serves as co-chair of the firm's Diversity and Inclusion Council.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

• Member, Employee Benefits Committee, Labor Employment Section - American Bar Association
• Member, Tax Section - American Bar Association
• Member, Tax Section - National Bar Association
• Member, National Association of African-Americans in Human Resources