Vedder Price

Michelle T. Olson

Shareholder

Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee

Michelle T. Olson is a Shareholder in the Labor and Employment group of the firm’s Chicago office and Co-Chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee.

Ms. Olson regularly advises employers on a wide variety of employment law and human resources matters, including federal and state anti-discrimination laws, medical and pregnancy leaves of absence and accommodation requests, employee discipline and discharge, workforce reductions, whistleblower and retaliation claims, wage and hour violations and managing remote work and COVID-19-related issues. Ms. Olson is focused on providing practical legal advice and helping clients mitigate legal risks while achieving their business objectives.

Ms. Olson manages sensitive internal investigations, providing sound guidance to employers as they navigate challenging workplace complaints, including allegations of harassment, discrimination, bullying and retaliation. She provides employers with thoughtful, business-focused advice in the development of employment and confidentiality contracts, separation and settlement agreements, employee handbooks, training programs and related policies and procedures. Ms. Olson also represents clients in employment-related litigation in federal court, arbitral forums and administrative agencies, and she regularly counsels clients regarding litigation avoidance. Ms. Olson works closely with the firm’s corporate team, conducting comprehensive due diligence reviews and identifying employment-related risks in mergers and acquisitions. 

Ms. Olson co-chairs the firm’s Pro Bono Committee and has worked diligently to expand the firm’s pro bono offerings. During the first three years of her leadership, she helped to increase the number of pro bono hours worked by firm attorneys by nearly 40%. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Sister House, a residential recovery home for women in Oak Park.  Ms. Olson has served on the Board for nine years, currently holds the Secretary position and previously chaired the Board’s fundraising and development efforts.

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

From 2011 to 2013, Ms. Olson clerked for the Honorable Joan H. Lefkow of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, where she worked on a wide variety of civil and criminal matters. Prior to attending law school, she worked as a legislative aide for the Illinois House of Representatives.

Michelle T. Olson

Shareholder

Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee

Education

  • Northwestern University School of Law, J.D., 2010, cum laude
  • University of Illinois, B.S., 2003, highest honors

Michelle T. Olson

Shareholder

Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois, 2010

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 2010

Affiliations

  • Secretary, Board of Directors, SisterHouse

Michelle T. Olson

Shareholder

Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee

Michelle T. Olson

Shareholder

Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee