Christine C. Hawkins

Counsel

Christine Hawkins advises clients on a wide range of employee benefits and ERISA compliance matters, including plan drafting, fiduciary governance, plan corrections, ACA reporting, ERISA litigation, COBRA, government audits, 409A arrangements, and fringe benefit programs.

Christine works with a wide range of companies, including hospitals, banks, airlines, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Her experience covers qualified plans, including 403(b) and 401(k) plans, nonqualified top hat and incentive plans, and health and welfare plans.

Litigation

Service Employees International Union Healthcare 1199NW v. Snohomish County Public District No.1 d/b/a EvergreenHealth Monroe

Christine successfully represented EvergreenHealth in a union suit alleging failure to make timely employer matching contributions to the EvergreenHealth 401(a) plan. After a series of motions, the case was dismissed with prejudice. DWT is currently responding to the union's appeal.

Johnson, et al. v. Carpenters of Western Washington Board of Trustees

In a case of first impression after the Supreme Court's decision in Thole v. U.S. Bank, Christine represented members of the Board of Trustees for indemnification from the trust for the cost of defense and liability for an alleged fiduciary breach. The Court ruled in favor of the individual trustees and required the trust to indemnify and advance the cost of defense. The Court's decision was a complete victory for the trustee defendants on their claim for indemnification and attorneys' fees.

Pacific Bells, et al. v. Inslee

In a case of first impression, Christine represented a class of employers and employees challenging the WA Cares Act as void and unenforceable. The case forced the state legislature to make substantive changes to the WA Cares Act and to delay the effective date of the Act by 18 months, which saved employees approximately $1.5 billion in payroll taxes. The case was ultimately dismissed at the federal level for lack of jurisdiction, but the case may be refiled in state court to challenge the constitutionality of the state tax on employees' wages.

N.F. v. Premera Blue Cross

Christine represented Microsoft and the Microsoft health plan against a plan participant claiming wrongful denial of benefits. Microsoft prevailed on a motion for summary judgment at the district court level.

B.H. v. Microsoft

Christine represented Microsoft and the Microsoft health plan in reaching settlement with a plan participant claiming wrongful denial of benefits.

Admitted to Practice

Washington, 2011
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 2014
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 2015

Education

LL.M., Taxation, University of Florida Levin College of Law, 2012
- Graduate Assistant, Professor Patricia Dilley
J.D., Seattle University School of Law, 2011, magna cum laude
B.A., Colgate University, 2008, cum laude

Memberships & Affiliations

- Membership Chair, Seattle Chapter, Western Pension & Benefits Council, 2023-present
- Trustee, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, Redmond, Wash., 2017-present
- President, Governing Board, Western Pension & Benefits Council, 2021-2022
- President, Seattle Chapter, Western Pension & Benefits Council, 2019-2021
- Board Member, King County Washington Women Lawyers, 2014-2016

Professional Recognition

- Listed among "Associates to Watch" by Chambers USA in Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Washington), 2021-2024
- Named "One to Watch" by Best Lawyers in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2021-2025
- Selected to "Washington Rising Stars," Thomson Reuters, 2021-2022