Cristopher Sinan

About Cristopher Sinan

Cris advises employers, administrators and trustees on the design, administration and termination of ESOPs, retirement and executive compensation arrangements, and health and welfare benefit plans. In addition to his work with ESOPs, 401(k) and pension plans, Cris’s experience includes advising trustees of multiemployer Taft–Hartley plans that provide union retirement, health and supplemental benefits.Cris regularly counsels his clients concerning the application of ERISA, federal tax and other rules, including fiduciary obligations under ERISA and HIPAA compliance. He also helps navigate and respond to U.S. Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service Audits. Cris’s practice also includes identifying and mitigating employee benefits and executive compensation issues in mergers, acquisitions and financial transactions.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. He 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 member of the Western Pension & Benefits Council Seattle Chapter and was a Board Member and Spring Seminar Co-Chair for three years. He also 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 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.

Experience

1. Counsel

   Foster Garvey PC

   Oct 2025 — Present

   Tax & Benefits Practice Group

Education

• University of North Texas

  Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

  1989 — 1993

• University of Washington

  Master of Social Work, Child & Family Social Work; Non-Profit Administration

  1994 — 1996

• Georgetown Law

  Master of Laws (LL.M.) & Employee Benefits Certificate, Taxation & Employee Benefits

  2011 — 2012

• American University Washington College of Law

  Juris Doctor, Law

  2008 — 2011