Dallas County Living Well Magazine September/October 2020 | Page 29
INTRODUCING
Lauren Olson
Courtesy LEU & PEIRCE, PLLC
Leu & Peirce is pleased to announce our new
partner, Lauren Olson. Lauren began
practicing Elder Law with Leu & Peirce in
2013. We asked Lauren some questions to
help you get to know her.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I was born in Austin, but grew up
in Plano. I graduated from Ursuline
Academy of Dallas. My parents still
live in Plano.
Q: Where did you go to
school?
A: I received a B.A. in Communications
with a minor in English
from St. Louis University. I played
collegiate soccer throughout my
undergraduate studies. After college,
I participated in a “volunteer year”
sponsored by Americorp through
the Marianist Order of the Catholic
Church. I lived in a group home with
five volunteers and worked at the Arc of
Missouri helping adults with developmental
disabilities. I then moved back to Texas to attend
law school at SMU.
Q: Did you always want to be a lawyer?
A: No, I always wanted to be a journalist. It was not until late in
college, during a journalism assignment, that I began considering law.
As a part of that assignment, I profiled a law professor who handled
legal aid and poverty law. I realized then that instead of writing about
helping people, I could make a profession of providing that help.
Q: What made you choose Elder Law?
A: When I started law school, I wanted to practice public interest law.
It was not until my mother saw Lori Leu featured in LIVING WELL
Magazine that I discovered Elder Law. After reading about Lori’s
mission and passion for helping people, I knew this was what I was
meant to do. I took the article to my career service counselor at SMU
and, as fate would have it, she had a connection with Erin Peirce and
Lori Leu and introduced me to them. The rest is history!
Q: What do you like the most about being an Elder Law
attorney?
A: I like having the chance to help seniors who are often marginalized in
society, as well as their families. We often advise adult children on how
to protect their parents and ease the family through the aging process.
Although I never saw myself as a litigator, I enjoy the
litigation aspect of our practice. If done with the
right goal in mind, going to court and fighting
for families is really about peacemaking and
bringing families together.
Q: Is there a moment that
stands out for you as an Elder
Law attorney?
A: I will never forget one case
in which we represented a son
seeking guardianship over his
mother as part of a heated family
battle. Despite months of fighting
amongst his seven siblings, on
the morning of trial, the whole
family gathered in the back of the
courtroom, held hands, and said
a prayer together for the health and
safety of their mother. Although the
prayer of the feuding siblings caught
me off guard, I will never forget how our
hard work resulted in bringing the family
together to reframe their differences into the
lens of their mother’s best interest. Amidst the
many long days of working with understandably
stressed and emotional clients, that moment reminds
me of why I became an Elder Law attorney—to protect
seniors and bring peace and resolution to families tying to care
for their loved ones.
Q: Beyond representing your clients, what do you enjoy
the most about your practice?
A: I love giving speeches and have a passion to educate the community
on Elder Law issues. In the future, I hope to start more legal aid
clinics at churches. Elder Law issues affect everyone, no matter how
educated, rich, or poor.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I like to stay active. I run, bike, and play soccer and tennis. I love to
be outside and spend time with family and friends.
Q: For what are you most grateful?
A: My faith has been a constant in my life. It has played a significant
role in my education, my profession, and in who I am. I am also
grateful for Lori Leu and Erin Peirce taking a chance on me when I
first began my law career. I have been fortunate to have worked at Leu
& Peirce since law school, and am excited to now be a partner in their
endeavor to help seniors and their families.
DALLAS COUNTY • 27