Michelle T. Olson
Shareholder
Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee222 North LaSalle Street Chicago, Illinois 60601
- molson@vedderprice.com
- VCard
Michelle T. Olson
Shareholder
Co-Chair, Pro Bono CommitteeMichelle 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 efforts, helping to increase the number of pro bono hours worked at the firm by over 50% in the past three years.
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.
Ms. Olson was recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America in the Labor and Employment Law – Management category for 2023.
In her free time, Ms. Olson serves as Secretary of the board of directors of SisterHouse, a residential recovery home for women in Oak Park, Illinois.
Michelle T. Olson
Shareholder
Co-Chair, Pro Bono CommitteeEducation
- 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 CommitteeBar 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-
Publications
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January 6, 2022 | Article
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April 1, 2021 | Newsletter/Bulletin
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May 14, 2020 | Newsletter/Bulletin
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March 29, 2020 | Newsletter/Bulletin
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October 31, 2019 | Newsletter/Bulletin
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March 2017 | Newsletter/Bulletin
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June 2014 | Newsletter/Bulletin
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July 2011 | Article
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March 2011 | Article"Employers Have Few Tools to Stem FMLA Abuse," The Ill. Manufacturer
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Michelle T. Olson
Shareholder
Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee-
News
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August 18, 2022 | Press Release
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December 21, 2021 | Media Mention
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September 23, 2021 | Media Mention
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April 6, 2021 | Press Release
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November 2, 2020 | Press Release
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May 14, 2020 | Press Release
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February 14, 2020 | Press Release
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June 5, 2019 | Press Release
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Past Events
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April 18, 2023 | Seminar
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March 8, 2023 | Seminar
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October 20, 2022 | Seminar
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May 13, 2022 | Seminar
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April 7, 2022 | Seminar
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October 29, 2020 | Webinar
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October 21, 2020 | Webinar
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May 30, 2019 | Seminar
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April 24, 2018 | Seminar
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May 12, 2017 | Seminar
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