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Paulsen’s work ethic a benefit to her firm

Paulsen’s work ethic a benefit to her firm

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Donna Paulsen - Paralegal - Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren
Donna Paulsen – Paralegal –
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren

Donna Paulsen is comfortable working behind the scenes at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, where she specializes in employee-benefit plans.

“What I do doesn’t sound exciting — maintaining the tax-qualified status of 401(k)s and retirement plans — but it is interesting and something that affects a lot of people,” said Paulsen, a paralegal in Reinhart’s employee-benefits department. “There are a lot of procedures that 401(k)s need to follow and keep up with.”

She also has to follow up when rules are not abided by.

“There’s all these procedures to go through if a mistake is made, such as what to do if a company does not put in the match that they were supposed to do,” Paulsen said. “People don’t think that happens, but it does.”

Paulsen has been interested in personnel matters since she was in college and attended a four-month paralegal course on benefits.

“Thirty years later I’m still working on benefit issues,” she said. “I really enjoy it, along with the research that goes along with it.”

Keeping clients’ 401(k) plans current with IRS requirements is not easy, Paulsen said.

“This job is like putting together a puzzle. You’re trying to construct an answer even though you may not have all the pieces,” she said. “I am very detail-orientated, but still can see that big picture.”

Paulsen regularly puts together 50-page submissions or fills out 12-page forms and deals with the IRS.

“I know for some people, talking to the IRS is scary,” she said. “But for me, it’s something I regularly do now so it’s not a big deal to me.”

Denise Goergen, a shareholder in Reinhart’s employee-benefits practice, said Paulsen embodies the attributes and qualities of a first-rate paralegal. Among other things, Paulsen has a deep knowledge of the subject matter, good rapport with clients and is eminently reliable. Goergen also praised Paulsen for her commitment to helping others in the department.

“Donna strives to bring out the best in every member of the department with no regards for her personal recognition,” Goergen said. “Our associates know she is there for them and her door is always open.”

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