Andrea M. Staron
Associate
Andrea focuses her practice on the establishment, qualification, and maintenance of all types of employee benefit plans. She assists businesses of all sizes, fiduciaries, and financial providers in connection with all types of ERISA issues. She has experience in drafting employee benefit plans, conducting due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, and representing clients in disputes with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Andrea began her legal career as an appellate judicial law clerk for the Honorable Matthew Grove, Colorado Court of Appeals. In this capacity, she researched legal issues and drafted civil and criminal opinions for Judge Grove.
Education & Admissions
Education
- University of Notre Dame
(B.A., 2003)
- University of Michigan, School of Public Policy
(M.P.P., 2006)
- West Virginia University, College of Law
(J.D., 2020)
Order of the Coif; Bloom Scholar; Louis A. Johnson Scholar; Associate Editor, West Virginia Law Review; CALI Excellence for the Future Awards (Tax Research and Writing, Economic Development, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and International Human Rights)
Admissions
- State of Ohio
- State of Colorado
Experience
- Researches and interprets applicable law regarding the establishment, qualification, and consultation regarding all types of employee benefit plans, including 401(k), employee stock ownership plans, defined benefit plans, nonqualified deferred compensation, and welfare benefit plans.
- Drafts employee benefit plans tailored to clients’ unique needs.
- Conducts due diligence for mergers and acquisitions by reviewing employee benefits and executive compensation documents, identifying issues, and proposing solutions for the client.
- Represents clients in disputes with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Prior to attending law school, Andrea worked for six years as a policy analyst for the White House Office of Management and Budget. She draws on her government and regulatory experience when helping clients navigate the complex web of statutes and regulations that govern employee benefit plan requirements.
Involvement
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- American Bar Association
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
- Worldwide Employee Benefits Network (WEB) – Northeast Ohio Chapter
- American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries Benefits Council of Cleveland
- Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland (Board Member)
- Lawyers Guild of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland (Board Member)
Personal
When she is not working, Andrea loves to spend time with her husband and three children. She also loves to garden and has a particular fondness for roses and dahlias.