Don Wellington has more than 20 years of experience working in the areas of employee benefits and executive compensation. Mr. Wellington represents some of the largest pension funds in the country on a variety of matters, and he is a fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel. He currently serves as the managing partner of Steptoe's Los Angeles and Century City offices.

Mr. Wellington previously was the Associate Benefits Tax Counsel for the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Tax Policy in Washington. His primary responsibilities included advising the Assistant Secretary (Tax Policy) with respect to the development and implementation of tax policy regarding retirement, health, stock option, and other employee benefit plans.

While at the Treasury Department, Mr. Wellington was involved in the development and review of guidance relating to qualified retirement plans and deferred compensation arrangements, as well as guidance on IRS determination letter and correction programs.

Mr. Wellington also was heavily involved in the development and review of employee benefits-related legislation while at the Treasury Department, including drafting legislative language and working closely with Congressional staffers. He also participated in the development of a number of retirement savings proposals and initiatives while with Treasury.

Mr. Wellington’s practice includes advising clients on a broad range of employee benefit plan design and compliance issues. He also advises clients on the employee benefits aspects of corporate mergers and acquisitions, including transactions relating to employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). He has represented clients on a variety of matters before the Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

Mr. Wellington also serves as outside tax counsel for a number of state and local pension plans.