My Why

What powers my practice

I’ve always been fascinated by human behavior—especially how people make decisions in moments of crisis—which led me to study psychology and criminal justice, and ultimately to pursue a legal career. Today, I find it deeply rewarding to help organizations support their people in meaningful ways, from retirement savings to health benefits to compliance strategies. Behind the scenes, my work strengthens systems that touch lives every day. I approach my work with empathy, clarity, and a collaborative mindset, making complex ERISA and employee benefits matters accessible and manageable. My goal is to help clients navigate challenges with confidence and make their jobs easier so they can focus on supporting their employees and advancing their organizations.

Overview

Leah advises public and private employers on a wide range of employee benefits and executive compensation matters. She helps clients navigate the complex regulatory landscape to ensure their benefit programs align with both business objectives and legal obligations. Her practice encompasses all stages of benefits planning and compliance, including plan design, administration, fiduciary governance and litigation strategy.

Leah has extensive experience counseling clients on health and welfare plan compliance, including issues arising under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), HIPAA, and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).

She also brings a unique perspective to fiduciary compliance, particularly in the emerging area of ERISA cybersecurity. Leah advises plan sponsors and fiduciaries on navigating evolving ERISA cybersecurity standards and develops innovative compliance strategies to address legal and regulatory risks, stemming from her assistance in the successful defense of one of the first ERISA cybersecurity litigation matters.

Before joining Michael Best, Leah was a Summer associate at the firm. She also served as a clinical student with the Legal Assistance to Institutionalized Persons (LAIP) project through the Frank J. Remington Center, where she assisted incarcerated individuals with post-conviction legal issues. Prior to attending law school, Leah interned with the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office.

Experience

Solutions in action

Credentials

  • University of Wisconsin Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Note & Comment Editor, Wisconsin International Law Journal, Mock Trial Team, 2021, cum laude
  • University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology and Criminal Justice, 2018, with highest honors

  • Wisconsin
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin

  • Best Lawyers®, “Ones to Watch” (Madison Area)
    • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2026
    • Labor and Employment Law – Management, 2026
  • Dean’s Academic Achievement Award, University of Wisconsin Law School

Engagement

  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Member, Dane County Bar Association
  • Member, National Association of Women Lawyers

 

Insights

See Everything