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 driven by helping clients cut through complex employee benefits and compliance requirements so they can make clear and confident decisions. Knowing that my guidance brings clarity and supports informed choices keeps me connected to this work every day.

Overview

Julia provides strategic counsel on a broad range of employee benefits matters including plan design and administration, employee plan governance, and fiduciary obligations. She leverages a deep understanding of benefits administration to provide tailored, actionable advice on complex compliance issues and navigating the intricacies of the federal laws and regulatory frameworks governing employee benefit plans.

Julia advises employers on the full spectrum of health and welfare, fringe benefit, qualified retirement, and executive compensation matters, with significant experience under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and MHPAEA. She counsels on self‑funded health plan compliance, wellness programs and on‑site clinic strategy, high‑cost claim management, church plan and MEWA considerations, and the correction of plan errors through EPCRS and VFCP. Her experience also includes supporting clients through IRS and DOL audits, resolving ACA filing errors and IRS Employer Shared Responsibility Payment disputes, and advising on payroll tax treatment and Section 125 cafeteria plan compliance.

Julia supports mergers and acquisitions by conducting employee benefits diligence, identifying compliance risks, and advising on benefits and executive compensation terms. She has served as a subject matter expert in employee benefit plan litigation and regularly assists employers in navigating federal enforcement matters.

Her practice further includes drafting qualified, nonqualified, and health and welfare plan documents; preparing participant communications; and advising on benefits considerations in employment, bonus, severance, and PEO agreements.

Julia draws on early human resources experience and legal internships focused on employee benefits, employment, and corporate governance.

Experience

Solutions in action

Credentials

  • Marquette University Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Articles Editor, Marquette Law Review, 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, cum laude

  • Wisconsin

  • Best Lawyers®, “Ones to Watch” (Milwaukee Area)
    • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2026-present
    • Labor and Employment Law – Management, 2026-present
  • Leading Employee Benefits & Compensation Lawyer, Chambers USA, 2025-present

Engagement

  • Board Member, Wisconsin Retirement Planning Professionals
  • Chair of Welfare Benefit Plans Committee, American Bar Association Section of Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law
  • Member, Greater Milwaukee Employee Benefits Council
  • Member, Association for Women Lawyers
  • Member, Wisconsin Bar Association
  • Member, Milwaukee Bar Association

  • Member, Community Leadership Board for the American Diabetes Association, 2018