Melissa L Steinman

Melissa Landau Steinman is a partner in Venable's Advertising and Marketing Practice Group. She assists companies advertising and marketing their products via traditional and online channels. She advises clients on the federal and state laws applicable to marketing, consumer protection and consumer product safety, with a focus on social media advertising and promotions, including sweepstakes, contests, gift cards, “free” gifts, coupons and rebates, loyalty programs and advertising to children. 

Ms. Steinman’s unique understanding of the law of prize promotions, digital media, and federal and state regulatory law has led to engagements with a diverse clientele that includes some of the world's largest and most prominent consumer products and services companies, retailers and hospitality providers; media and gaming companies; entertainment personalities; and a wide variety of nonprofits and charitable entities. 

Ms. Steinman is a frequent speaker and writer on topics like sweepstakes, contests, gift cards, loyalty programs, and promotions on social media. She served two terms as a member of the Board of Directors of the Brand Activation Association, now part of the Association of National Advertisers. Ms. Steinman wrote and edited the Guide to Federal and State Regulation of Advertising, a comprehensive two-volume book/CD-ROM on the law of advertising and promotions, and contributed chapters to the American Bar Association's Consumer Protection Law Handbook and Globe Law and Business’ International Advertising Law.