Lawyer Overview
Melissa G. Andrieux, Esq. is a Partner and the Chief Impact Officer at Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP. Ms. Andrieux plays a key role and is a trusted advisor to the leadership team. She is responsible for shaping and driving DNZ’s culture to ensure it is inclusive and aligned with the firm’s mission and values. In collaboration with leadership, Ms. Andrieux is also tasked with creating and fostering an environment where all employees feel welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to succeed regardless of their experiences or personal characteristics. Outside of the firm, Ms. Andrieux builds and maintains relationships with community groups, consultants, business and legal organizations, and industry networks, to stay ahead of trends, implement best practices, and advocate for inclusion in the broader community.
As a leading inclusion and belonging advocate, Ms. Andrieux is regularly called upon to speak on this important subject. She is featured in 914 Inc. Magazine’s 2022 and 2023 issues devoted to diversity, equity and inclusion where she discusses the importance of DEI in Westchester County and beyond. Ms. Andrieux has been recognized as one of the Power Players in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by PoliticsNY and amMetro New York.
Most recently her presentations include:
- Moderator, “Thriving in the Chaos: Mastering the Professional-Caregiver Balance,” New York State Bar Association, Women In Law Section (2026)
- Panelist, “You Are Your Brand: Personal Branding for Future Attorneys,” Northeast Black Law Students Association 58 Annual Convention (2026)
- Lecturer, “Foundations for Professionalism: Law School and Beyond,” New York Law School (2026)
- Presenter, “Awareness to Action: Making Inclusion Real,” Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors Member Impact Meeting (2025)
- Presenter, “Exploring Implicit Bias and Psychological Safety in the Legal Profession,” CLE Program, New York State Legislature Annual Meeting (2024)
- Moderator, “Getting Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Internal Roadblocks,” Westchester Women’s Bar Association (2024)
- Presenter, “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in the Legal Profession: Understanding the Whys and Hows from a 360° Perspective,” CLE Program, Office of the New York State Attorney General (2024)
- Presenter, “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in the Legal Profession: Understanding the Whys and Hows from a 360° Perspective,” CLE Program, Columbian Lawyers Association, 1st Judicial Department (2024)
- Moderator/Panelist, 4th Annual Westchester Women’s Summit, “The ‘Yes’ Dilemma: How to Say ‘No’ Without Guilt” (2024)
- Panelist, “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging In Practice: Navigating the Difficult Conversations,” presented by the Business Council of Westchester (2024)
- Moderator, “Empowering Professional Women: Navigating the ‘Yes’ Dilemma, Overcoming Guilt and Mastering Work-Life Integration,” Westchester Women’s Bar Association Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (2024)
- Co-Presenter, “Diversity, Civility, Inclusion and Best Practices in the Legal Profession and the Courts,” CLE Program, New York State Bar Association (2023)
- Moderator, “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Practice: Developing and Implementing Effective DEI Strategy”, presented by the Business Council of Westchester (2023)
- Presenter, “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in the Legal Profession: Understanding the Whys and Hows from a 360° Perspective”, CLE Program, Fairfield County Bar Association (2023)
- Panelist, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion In Practice- Continuing the Conversation” , presented by the Business Council of Westchester (2023)
- Panelist, “Creating a Workforce Culture of Inclusion: Strategies for Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” , The Conference Board 27th Annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference (2023)
- Panelist, “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in IP: Finding Balance with DEI and Women’s Initiatives”, ACI’s 3rd Annual Summit on Women Leaders in IP Law (2023)
- Presenter, “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Legal Profession: Understanding the Whys and Hows from a 360° Perspective”, CLE Program, New York State Bar Association (2023)
- Moderator, Maternal Health Convening Panel, presented by Rx Compassion (2023)
- Panelist, 914 Inc. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum (2023)
- Panelist, Westchester Women’s Bar Association, “Making A Difference: The Power of Mentorship & Sponsorship” (2023)
- Panelist, Westchester Women’s Summit, “Making A Difference: The Power of Mentorship & Sponsorship” (2023)
- Panelist, ChIPs Global Summit “Access, Equity and Allies” presented by ChIPs (2022)
Additionally, Ms. Andrieux consults and assists the firm’s clients and other businesses with the development of their own inclusion and belonging strategies, trainings and related initiatives.
Ms. Andrieux is very involved in the New York City and Westchester County legal and business communities. She is an active member of the Business Council of Westchester (BCW), the county’s largest business membership organization. She presently serves as an Ambassador to the BCW where she mentors new members through the first year of their membership.
Ms. Andrieux is a member of the New York State Bar Association, Westchester County Bar Association, Women’s Bar of the State of New York and Westchester Women’s Bar Association, where she is a board member and co-chair of the DEI Committee.
Ms. Andrieux received her B.S. from St. John’s University and her J.D. from New York Law School. Prior to joining Dorf Nelson & Zauderer, Ms. Andrieux was an Assistant District Attorney in Queens County, New York and an attorney at Martin Clearwater & Bell LLP.
Volunteer Positions
Board Member, New York Law School Alumni Association
Former Co-Chair DEI Committee, Westchester Women’s Bar Association