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Biography

I was born and raised in Minnesota. I am married with a young daughter. I began practicing law with my father, Rodney, in 1991. Since 1995, I have been developing my own practice representing individuals claiming Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income.

Getting to know Ed Olson...

I became a lawyer because... it allows me to help people who have really had some bad breaks and who really deserve some help.

What I like most about the law is... it is a lot like solving a puzzle. When all the pieces fit together, a beautiful picture emerges.

When you need an attorney... it is important to find an attorney you can be comfortable with. A legal proceeding is sometimes a very long and arduous process and it is important that your lawyer is someone you can trust not only with legal matters but with the personal information related to any law suit.

In addition, it is important the attorney you choose have experience in the area of law relevant to your problem. Like doctors, attorneys have areas of expertise and it is important that your attorney have experience successfully dealing with your legal problem.

My most rewarding case involved...a young man who had been involved in several automobile accidents. After a prolonged dispute, he was finally awarded the Social Security benefits to which he was entitled. The award of benefits allowed him to keep his home and afford his children's education.

My most disappointing case involved... an elderly gentleman who was improperly denied Social Security disability benefits. He came to me long after he started his claim for benefits. By the time I became involved, his claim was is such disarray, that my best efforts were not successful. If this gentleman had come to me earlier, I feel I would have been able to help him secure his benefits.

I began solo practice because... I like to manage my cases myself. I know exactly what is going on with each of my clients and their cases.

What makes Edward C. Olson different from other lawyers? I really listen to my clients.

My friends describe me as... someone with a good sense of humor.

My opponents describe me as... persistent.

If I had to attempt another profession, I would try... coaching athletics. I think I could do a good job teaching and inspiring people to achieve team success.

Two people I really admire are... my mother and father. As the father of a young daughter myself, I admire the fact that my parents were able to raise four children and maintain their sanity.

My favorite quote is... "If you can't laugh at yourself make fun of other people."

My favorite book is... "The Choirboys" by Joseph Wambaugh. The funniest book I have ever read.

My favorite sports team is... the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

My favorite music is... classic rock and roll.

My favorite movie is... Goodfellas.

A sound or noise I love is... the sound of my daughter's laughter.

Outside of my family, my most treasured belonging is... my dog, Liz.

When not at work, I enjoy... golfing, playing cards and chasing after my young daughter.

My favorite lawyer joke is... it was so cold out yesterday, I saw two lawyers with their hands in their OWN pockets.

Education

  • William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota
    • J.D.
  • Mankato State University, Mankato, Minnesota
    • B.A.
    • Major: Business Administration

Practice Areas

  • Social Security Disability

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota, 1991
  • U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 1994
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1997

Representative Cases

  • Goad v. Barnhart, 398 F.3d 1021, 2005, 8th Circuit
  • Singh v. Apfel, 222 F.3d 448, 2000, 8th Circuit

Past Positions

  • Ground Service, Northwest Airlines, 1985 to 1990