Jim Olson

With a distinguished career spanning decades, Jim Olson brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record to the Law Offices of Christy Lee, P.C.

As a Revenue Agent (IRS Audits), Jim has audited federal Income tax returns ranging from individuals and small businesses to far more challenging concerns such as casinos. As a  Special Agent in the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, Jim served at the forefront of high-stakes financial matters, tackling highly complex cases in forensic accounting and managing complicated investigations into tax fraud, money laundering, and securities fraud.  Notably, he played a key role in dismantling a major syndicate involved in hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent activities.

While with the IRS, Jim honed his skills as an expert witness, testifying in numerous trials, suppression hearings, and grand jury proceedings, where his acumen and clear presentation of involved financial matters were instrumental in securing many successful outcomes. He has been the Affiant on numerous search and seizure warrants. “I worked IRS criminal cases for over two decades,” Jim shares.  “Every day wasn’t perfect, but I loved doing that because it was like sifting through a mountain of data and uncooperative individuals to uncover the real story. It’s about piecing together all the pieces of a puzzle to reveal the actual picture so federal prosecutors could make sound charging decisions.”

After retirement from the IRS, Jim found himself looking for a different kind of challenge – he felt compelled to use his expertise to help taxpayers being wrongfully prosecuted for tax issues, including fraud against the IRS and other financial institutions.   “Most people don’t willfully get into messes with the IRS,” says Jim.  “Life happens, and I want to help people get through their difficult times.  I want to help people unravel situations that they don’t understand—the IRS and the US Department of Justice can be very, very intimidating. I want to help guide people through the maze of bureaucracy. I understand the system, I know how to navigate it, and I can use this knowledge to help people through their issues.”

So Jim founded his own forensic accounting firm, operating it for more than ten years with an emphasis on financial fraud, litigation support, tax consulting, and accounting services.  Analyzing all the various facets of each case, understanding their significance, and crafting a clear response to resolve each individual problem, he helped his clients navigate the often confusing world of tax compliance and criminal prosecution, while laying out sound proactive guidance to adopt down the road.  And he did it all in a simple-to-understand, engaging way that made it easy for the clients to follow.

Christy can vouch for Jim’s proficiency and skills when it comes to tax.  They have known each other for many years, frequently collaborating on cases involving criminal tax.  As necessary, Christy has also retained Jim as an expert witness for our clients being unfairly targeted by the IRS.

Now Jim is bringing not just his impressive credentials to our firm, including, for instance, his ability to predict the opposition’s arguments, to analyze evidence, and to propose counter-arguments when required.  He’s also bringing his ability to provide our clients thoughtful, considered, informed advice, in straightforward, plain non-legalese.

When Jim isn’t in the office, he spent years in his community as a volunteer firefighter until age caught up with him. He also enjoys the physical challenges of CrossFit and cherishes quality time with his daughter.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts Degree with concentrations in Accounting and Finance- Western Washington University

Certifications:

Certified Public Accountant for over 30 Years (CPA)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF)