Overview
Melanie Nussdorf advises some of the world's largest financial institutions on fiduciary issues, including prohibited transaction exemption questions under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, especially in connection with financial products and services offered by major banks, investment advisers, brokerage firms, and insurance companies. Repeatedly recognized by clients and peers in Chambers USA and Legal 500 as one of the nation’s leading lawyers in the employee benefits area, Melanie’s experience spans the entire range of employee benefits, from tax-based requirements for qualified pension plans, to fiduciary issues, welfare benefits, and plan termination. She has substantial experience with the exemption and advisory opinion process under ERISA and has worked extensively on legislative and regulatory issues related to ERISA. Her experience includes seven years in senior roles at the Department of Labor and at the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
- District of Columbia
- J.D., New York University School of Law, 1973
- B.A., University of Pennsylvania, 1970
Areas of Work
Speaking Engagements
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"Implementing DOL's Fiduciary Rule 2016," SIFMA, May 11, 2016
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"The Definition of Fiduciary: Department of Labor and SEC Perspectives," Practising Law Institute, March 4, 2016
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"Financial Services Conflicts of Interest & Fiduciary Duties 2015: Navigating the Emerging Regulatory Maze," Practising Law Institute, April 20, 2015
News & Publications
Client Alerts
Supreme Court Limits Complaint Allegations Required to State an ERISA Prohibited Transaction Claim
April 22, 2025
Client Alerts
Fiduciary Rule Client Advisory
November 3, 2023
By: Melanie Nussdorf, Eric G. Serron, Scott A. Sinder, Nick Sutter, Raisa M. Daigneault
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 28 Practice Rankings, 34 Individual Awards in Legal 500 US 2023
June 14, 2023
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 25 Practice, 72 Individual Mentions in Chambers USA 2023
June 1, 2023
Client Alerts
DOL Issues Final Rule on the Use of ESG Factors in Retirement Investments
December 7, 2022
By: Eric G. Serron, Michael Dockterman, Melanie Nussdorf, Ida Adibi
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 27 Practice Rankings, 26 Individual Awards in Legal 500 US 2022
June 16, 2022
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 27 Practice, 72 Individual Mentions in Chambers USA 2022
June 3, 2022
Resources
Financial Services Group Advisory
June 12, 2019
By: Micah S. Green, Scott A. Sinder, Kate Jensen, Melanie Nussdorf, Eric G. Serron
Noteworthy
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Fellow, American College of Employee Benefits Counsel
- Law Dragon, Hall of Fame, Corporate Employment Lawyers (2019-2020)
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Chambers USA, "Star Individual," Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, DC (2011-2017)
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Chambers USA, Band 1, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, DC (2018-2024)
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Chambers USA, Band 1, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Nationwide (2011-2018)
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Chambers USA, ERISA Litigation, Nationwide (2014)
- Legal 500 US, Hall of Fame, Labor & Employment: Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation & Retirement Plans: Design (2020-2023)
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Legal 500 US, Leading Lawyer, Labor & Employment: Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation & Retirement Plans: Design (2018-2019)
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Legal 500 US, Labor & Employment: Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation & Retirement Plans: Design (2020)
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Legal 500 US, Labor & Employment: Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (2009, 2012-2016)
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Legal 500 US, Labor & Employment: Employee Health and Retirement Plans (2017)
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Legal 500 US, Labor & Employment: ERISA Litigation (2015-2016)
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Legal 500 US, Tax: Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (2011)
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Best Lawyers in America, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, ERISA Litigation (1995-2022)
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Best Lawyers in America, "Lawyer of the Year," Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2015)
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Super Lawyers, Washington, DC, Employee Benefits (2007-2021)
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International Law Office Client Choice Award Guide, US Employment and Labor (2010)