LAWYER PROFILE
Melissa Bailey

Melissa Bailey

USA 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC

USA

Practice Areas

Workplace Safety and Health, Governmental Affairs, Ethics Compliance and Whistleblower Response, Mergers and Acquisitions

Career

Melissa Bailey focuses her practice on occupational safety and health issues. She litigates OSHA cases before federal and state agencies and courts, and also represents employers during government inspections and investigations. Her practice also includes providing compliance advice and conducting privileged audits on complex workplace safety issues. Melissa represents employers in a wide range of industries, including electric utilities, chemical manufacturing/refining, retail, food processing, construction, and drug manufacturing. Melissa also regularly represents clients before OSHA in connection with rulemaking and policy formation. She has testified before Congress regarding OSHA issues, and has advocated for management interests with regard to OSHA enforcement and compliance policies.

Melissa has practiced occupational safety and health law for over 20 years and, as a result, she understands the legal issues as well as the practical issues confronting employers. She routinely assesses both the current and future liability that may result from significant OSHA citations, and identifies the most effective approach – whether that is a strategic settlement or litigation – in each case.

Melissa also represents clients in whistleblower matters under a broad range of statutes, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Surface Transportation Assistance Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Clean Air Act. Her experience ranges from conducting investigations and developing position statements to litigating whistleblower cases before Administrative Law Judges and in court.

Professional Memberships

National Federation of Independent Business Legal Center (Board Member, Legal Advisory Board)

District of Columbia Bar

American Bar Association (Former Employer Co-Chair, Occupational Safety and Health Committee)

Kansas Bar Association

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Occupational Safety and Health - USA - Nationwide

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial
Melissa Bailey acts for national employers in the manufacturing and energy sectors, among others. She is well versed in OSHA litigation, inspections and rulemaking.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Melissa Bailey is an expert. She is sensitive to client needs and very responsive, making sure everything works out.

    Occupational Safety and HealthChambers Guide to the USA
  • Melissa Bailey is excellent, especially when it comes to ligation or trial practice.

    Occupational Safety and HealthChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC (86)

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