Education
Wayne State University Law School, J.D., 1997
University of Michigan, B.A. (Major in Economics, Minor in Business), 1993
University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
Mickey Bartlett brings over two decades of experience advising private, public, nonprofit, and governmental organizations on complex employee benefits matters. Her practice focuses on navigating the intricacies of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), HIPAA, PPACA, FMLA, and COBRA, as well as addressing employee benefits concerns arising in corporate transactions. Mickey’s clients benefit from her extensive expertise in plan design, compliance, regulatory filings, and negotiation of third-party agreements and collective bargaining agreements.
Before joining the firm, Mickey held prominent roles in Fortune 100 companies, including leadership positions at Ford Motor Company and General Motors, where she was responsible for U.S. and global benefits strategy, design, negotiations, and benchmarking of broad-based and executive retirement plans and health and welfare benefits. Mickey also led the Health and Welfare section at an ERISA boutique law firm.
Mickey has a unique employee benefits background in compliance, design, administration, and labor negotiations, leading to a well-rounded, comprehensive approach to matters. Her deep understanding of the employee benefits landscape is complemented by her pragmatic approach to helping clients mitigate risks, achieve compliance, and implement effective benefit strategies.
Representative Matters
- Advises clients on a full spectrum of employee benefit plans, including health and welfare plans, cafeteria plans, consumer-driven health plans, and defined contribution and pension plans
- Provides counsel on employee benefit issues in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, including due diligence and treatment of employee benefits
- Assists clients in preparing and submitting benefit plan corrections through voluntary correction programs to mitigate legal exposure
- Represents clients in regulatory audits, compliance matters, and benefit claim disputes
Professional Activities
● Michigan State Bar Taxation (Employee Benefits) and Health Care Law Sections, Member
● Employee Benefits Committee (Taxation Section), State Bar of Michigan, Former Chair, 2013-2014
● Foreign Benefits Study Group of Fortune 100 Multi-National Corporations, Former Member
Civic, Cultural & Social Activities
Grosse Ile Township
● Township Board, Trustee
● Fire Commission, Board Liaison
● Greenways/Open Space Commission, Board Liaison
● Nature and Land Conservancy, Board Member
● Planning Commission, Former Member
