Nikki Chriesman-Green Email & Phone Number

Texas, United States

Review and implement internal HR practices for compliance with all applicable government regulations and state laws related to employer-employee relationships; Prepare and review ERISA required notices and disclosures, plan documents and amendments for defined benefit and health and welfare plan clients; Monitor changes in pension and employee benefits laws; Consult with and provide compliance support to Taft-Hartley trust fund clients, multi-employer plans, governmental entities, non-profits and religious organizations on specific legal questions related to their health and welfare benefit plans. Provide clients with support on DOL and IRS audits and a technical review of data and reports included in regulatory filings; Make presentations, internally and externally, explaining significant changes in laws related to employee benefit plans.

Dallas, Texas

in-house ERISA Counsel supporting the Southwest region book of business; monitors changes in benefits laws, including Health Care Reform, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and ERISA;makes presentations, internally and externally, explaining significant laws (e.g.,ACA Employer Shared Responsibility, 6055/6056 Reporting Requirements); occasionally write and review articles that cover new developments and general issues with respect to health and welfare plans; provides assistance, with respect to specific legal questions (e.g., those concerning discrimination, participant communication, and privacy) directly to clients, prospective clients, consultants, and account management personnel; assists with internal compliance such as reviewing ASO and vendor agreements in consideration of the Texas Insurance Code.

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Litigate, mediate, and negotiate settlements in family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support issues, and grandparent possession and/or access cases •General civil litigation matters concerning contract disputes & DTPA claims• serve as Attorney Ad Litem on Cases appointed by the 323rd Judicial District in Tarrant County.

Realize outstanding management of benefit litigation cases and oversee organization and management of the of ERISA Appeals Committee in role of Secretary. Research and review ERISA appeals submitted by unionized staff and management employees. Summarize ERISA appeal briefs, draft responses to interrogatories, process respond to court orders and EEO requests for benefit information, and draft ERISA appeal extension letters and final determination letters. Perform role of corporate fiduciary-representative for health and welfare, disability, and pension plan litigation court appearances, mediations, and depositions.Streamlined ERISA appeals process during first 6 months of tenure, resulting in reduction in number of appeals heard during Committee meetings of 50%.Oversaw benefit litigation cases, resulting in 9 settlements in 2011 and savings of $565K.Earned Key Contributor Award for 2 consecutive years, as well as 3 Certificates of Recognition.

Draft employer contracts, financial service agreements, employee booklets, and summary plan descriptions for employees. Oversaw general health and welfare benefit plans, employer disability plans, and group life and accidental death insurance plans for corporate and legal compliance. Trained Benefit Consultants in Manila, Philippines. Built and headed workgroup redefining and streamlining drafting process for employee benefit booklets during ALIC contract conversion, resulting in expedited turnaround of documents for Aetna national account clients, improved quality, significant reduction in drafting errors, and use as model for training of drafters in Manila, Philippines. Earned Aetna PSS Promise Award and Aetna Way Excellence Silver Award.

Researched legal issues and case law concerning federal labor laws such as OSHA and MSHA using Westlaw, Lexis Nexis, and C.F.R. regulations and policies.Reviewed evidentiary submissions and drafted discovery motions including interrogatories, requests for admissions and productionAttended in person depositions and pre-hearing conferences with trial attorneysDrafted research memorandums concerning federal labor and employment law issues. Texas Court of Appeals for the 13th

Reviewed and analyzed extensive trial court records and appellate briefs.Researched legal issues for civil and criminal cases using Westlaw and LexisNexis.Drafted memorandum opinions for Justice Linda Reyna Yanez.

Drafted settlement orders, dismissal decisions, and initial decisions.Reviewed evidentiary submissions, responded to motions, and summarized hearing tapes.Researched issues and case law concerning federal employment and retirement law. Independently conducted settlement conferences with parties and their legal representatives.Attended in person hearings, video hearings, and pre-hearing conferences with administrative law judges.

Awarded Rookie Child Advocate of the Year 2006Draft and submit monthly progress reports to Child Advocate office in review of case.Draft and submit court report to Family Court Judge to assist in final review hearing.

Education record

Activities and Societies: 2009 Graduating Class Commencement Speaker-Elect, Moot Court Honor Society, Moot Court Traveling Team, BLSA.

Master Of Science - Ms, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

B.S, Paralegal Studies, Paralegal