My Why
What powers my practice
Working in HR early in my career showed me how meaningful well-designed benefits can be for both employees and employers, and the challenges employers face in keeping plans effective and compliant. Those experiences shaped the practical, solutions-oriented approach I bring to my work today. I am motivated by helping clients translate complex rules into clear, actionable strategies and by serving as a trusted partner in guiding them through regulatory requirements. I focus on solutions that are practical, technically sound, and aligned with each client’s broader goals. When clients share that my guidance helps them make informed decisions with clarity, it reinforces the value of strategic, actionable advice. My purpose is to provide insight and perspective that helps plan sponsors navigate complexity, build confidence, and achieve lasting success.
Credentials
- Marquette University Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Articles Editor, Marquette Law Review, 2017, cum laude
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Human Resources Management; Beta Gama Sigma Business Honor Society; Gamma Phi Beta, 2011, cum laude
- Wisconsin
- Best Lawyers®, “Ones to Watch” (Milwaukee Area)
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2026
- Labor and Employment Law – Management, 2026
- Leading Employee Benefits & Compensation Lawyer, Chambers USA, 2025
Engagement
- Vice Chair of Welfare Benefit Plans Committee, American Bar Association Section of Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law, 2024-2025
- Member, Greater Milwaukee Employee Benefits Council
- Member, Association for Women Lawyers
- Member, Wisconsin Retirement Planning Professionals
- Member, Wisconsin Bar Association
- Member, Milwaukee Bar Association
- Member, Community Leadership Board for the American Diabetes Association, 2018
Insights

2026 Cafeteria Plan Benefits Buffet
As we approach 2026, employers sponsoring cafeteria plans may take advantage of several important developments that permit optional changes to plan design and administration.Read
Dec 16, 2025
Employee Benefits: Trends, Traps, and Tomorrow’s Challenges
On Wednesday, October 15, Julia Mader and Leah Toro led a complimentary live webinar titled “Employee Benefits: Trends, Traps, and Tomorrow’s Challenges.” Together, they examined…Read
Oct 30, 2025

Labor & Employment Seminar Series
Join us for our 36th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar Series, tailored for human resources and benefits professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve. This year’s sessions dive into the latest legal developments, compliance challenges, and strategic insights shaping the workplace in 2025.Listen | Read | Watch
Oct 1, 2025

