Erika Skougard counsels employers on a wide range of employee benefits, compensation, and employment issues. Ms. Skougard’s professional background includes significant business management experience, which shapes her pragmatic approach to helping clients solve problems and achieve objectives.
Ms. Skougard helps employers of all sizes navigate the complex regulatory landscape of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and various federal, state, and municipal employment laws. Her practice covers the design and administration of employee benefits and executive compensation plans and the defense of employee benefit plans in government investigations and participant claims and appeals. She often advises clients on benefits and employment issues in domestic and international corporate transactions. Ms. Skougard regularly represents public and private companies in negotiating compensation and separation agreements and counsels clients on paid leave policies and worker classification issues.
Ms. Skougard has a unique professional history. Before law school, she built a successful 15-year business career, most recently as head of the high-value seller accounts group at a leading e-commerce company, where she oversaw more than 100 personnel. As an attorney, Ms. Skougard understands the value of a committed, qualified workforce and the need for a proactive, sophisticated approach to legal issues affecting the employer-employee relationship.
Ms. Skougard has an active pro bono practice, focused on helping not-for-profit organizations with benefits and employment issues. She also advises on matters involving LGBT+ rights and gender equality.