CRIS SINAN advises trustees of Taft–Hartley multiemployer plans on the administration of union retirement, health, and supplemental benefit plans. He counsels plan trustees concerning the application of ERISA, federal tax, and other rules, including their fiduciary obligations under ERISA.
After earning his J.D. at the American University Washington College of Law, Cris earned his Master of Laws in Taxation and Certificate in Employee Benefits Law from Georgetown University Law Center. Cris has also served as benefits counsel to a Fortune 50 financial services company, as a law clerk for the U.S. Department of Justice, and as a legal extern for the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Before he became an attorney, Cris was a child protective services social worker for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Cris is a board member and event co-chair for the Western Pension & Benefits Council Seattle Chapter, and he serves as an advisory board member for the American Bar Association's Section of Taxation’s LGBTQ+ Lawyers in Tax Forum. Cris is a member of QLaw: The LGBTQ+ Bar Association of Washington, the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.
As a pro bono public service, Cris has represented domestic violence survivors in temporary restraining order hearings, represented court-appointed special advocates and guardian ad litems in foster care cases, and advised small charities about their employee benefit plans. He has also been active on the board of the WCL Lambda Law Alumni Association. He is currently admitted to practice in Washington, District of Columbia; Maryland; New Jersey; and Virginia.
All Rights Reserved | Barlow & Coughran, P.S.