sjt@groom.com
202-861-6659
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As a Chicago law clerk Sarah Touzalin encountered benefit-plan failures, and found her calling.

“Clients were facing issues both with the IRS and the Department of Labor,” says Sarah—trouble that could have disastrous effects on the company and the employees’ hard-earned benefits.  She saw that by focusing on employee benefits law she might help both employers and employees with all-important retirement issues.

So, while completing her J.D., Sarah decided to devote her career to benefits law, and subsequently began work on an LL.M. in Employee Benefits at The John Marshall Law School, one of only two such programs in the nation.  While earning her LL.M., Sarah traveled to D.C. to complete a unique externship in the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Benefits Tax Counsel, where she witnessed the regulatory drafting process, experienced a taste of D.C. life and first came in contact with Groom Law Group expertise. 

In meeting Groom attorneys, Sarah was impressed by their knowledge, their collaborative work ethic and their camaraderie.  Then, continuing her class work back at John Marshall, she found herself often reading articles and legislative updates prepared by Groom attorneys.  Now she’s pleased to find herself part of the legal team whose work so profoundly impacts benefits law.    

Since joining Groom, Sarah has been busy developing her practice concentration in the Title II and legislative arenas and enjoys the variety.  “Every day brings with it something different—a new issue with a new creative approach,” says Sarah.  “Contrary to what some might believe, the practice of employee benefits law can be very exciting!” 

Sarah is admitted to the bar in Illinois, and has applied for admission to practice in the District of Columbia.