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Gregg R. Melinson, former deputy general counsel to Governor Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania, is Drinker Biddle’s Chief Marketing Partner. In his broad and varied practice, he works closely with a number of the firm's practice groups, including the Government and Regulatory Affairs, Commercial Litigation, and Emerging Company and Venture Capital groups. He is also actively involved in economic development initiatives in Greater Philadelphia and beyond, frequently working with entrepreneurs and emerging companies on a broad array of legal issues.
Entrepreneurs and Emerging Companies. Fast-growing companies face unique business challenges - from protecting their intellectual property and accessing capital, to recruiting talented employees and executing complex transactions. A significant portion of Gregg’s practice includes advising early stage private companies on such issues while working closely with other Drinker Biddle practice groups, including Tax, Labor & Employment, Intellectual Property and Corporate & Securities, to address the varied legal needs of less seasoned organizations. Gregg has made use of his government experience and dynamic problem-solving skills in his role as an "outside general counsel" to clients in the fields of telecommunications, financial services, life sciences, education and technology.
Government Affairs. With a unique perspective on state government, Gregg has provided invaluable advice to clients in matters involving the interplay between business and government at all levels. His broad government affairs practice includes the representation of businesses in their dealings with state and federal regulators, as well as in related litigation. Gregg keeps our clients informed of legislative and regulatory initiatives that could impact their business, and helps them formulate responsive strategies.
Commercial Litigation. Gregg’s litigation practice has a heavy emphasis on technology. In the last several years he has represented major financial institutions in disputes arising from software development projects, while also defending the nation’s leading technology companies in consumer class actions.
Employment Litigation. Gregg’s labor and employment practice is devoted to the representation of employers in wrongful discharge and employment discrimination actions in state and federal court, as well as in traditional labor-management relations in unionized workplaces. Gregg regularly provides legal advice and representation in connection with non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements, as well as the full range of issues surrounding executive compensation.
In General. A lifelong resident of Greater Philadelphia, Gregg has been extremely active in the region's civic affairs. As a founding board member of the Commonwealth Financing Authority, Gregg helped develop some of the nation’s most innovative programs for creating jobs and building communities. From 1999 through 2006, Gregg served on the five-member governing board of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, a bond-issuance authority that is responsible for overseeing the finances of the City of Philadelphia. In early 2003, Gregg was elected chairman of the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Economy League the youngest to assume that position in the nearly century-old history of the League. He has served as the vice chair of the American Heart Association’s Southeastern Pennsylvania affiliate, and was appointed by former Governor Ridge to serve on Pennsylvania's Voting Modernization Task Force. He has served on the board of trustees of the recently formed La Salle Academy and has held a variety of other civic posts. Currently, Gregg serves on the boards of the CEO Council for Growth - Greater Philadelphia’s premiere business leadership organization - and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
A maxima cum laude graduate of La Salle University, Gregg graduated from the Duke University School of Law, before clerking for the Honorable Edward R. Becker of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Gregg has written and lectured on a number of topics, including the economic competitiveness of the Greater Philadelphia region, drug testing in the workplace, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Pennsylvania election law and advocacy in administrative rulemaking. He appears regularly as a commentator on Inside Story, a weekly political and public opinion roundtable televised on Philadelphia’s ABC affiliate, WPVI-TV. | 