Ms. Bitseff is an experienced ERISA lawyer regarded as a leading authority on HIPAA, COBRA, and health plan compliance. She provides representation and counsel on health benefits, pension plans, and other forms of compensation and employee benefits. Ms. Bitseff is experienced in matters involving, but not limited to, welfare plans, defined benefit plans, benefit outsourcing, vendor management, contract negotiations, dependent and domestic partner coverage and rights, ERISA fiduciary liability, ERISA claims procedures, appeals, escalations, and government audits.

“Passage of the health care reform act has increased demand for health and welfare benefits counseling services as laws governing employer-based programs expand and evolve,” said Jeffrey M. Tanenbaum, partner and leader of Nixon Peabody’s Labor & Employment practice. “We are confident that Tonie, who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in this area, will help our clients navigate the changing landscape of employee benefits.”

“Tonie is a great addition to our team, given her years of experience and leadership in San Francisco’s professional pension and benefits community,” said Paul E. Schrier, managing partner of Nixon Peabody’s San Francisco office. “Tonie is a colleague who many of us have worked with throughout the years, and we are pleased to welcome her to the firm.”

Ms. Bitseff joins the firm from Marin Legal PC, and prior to that she was with Thelen LLP. She received her B.A. from the University of Washington in 1993, her J.D., magna cum laude, from the Seattle University School of Law in 1996, and her LL.M. in taxation from the University of Washington School of Law in 1998.

www.nixonpeabody.com