Elli Abdoli

Job title: 
Partner, Nielsen Merksamer
Bio/CV: 

National Advisory Council: 2021

Elli Abdoli is a partner with Nielsen Merksamer in the Political Law Section.  She advises Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, trade associations and other organizations on complying with federal, state and local lobby, campaign finance and ethics laws, including developing and implementing comprehensive nationwide compliance systems.  Ms. Abdoli specializes in “pay-to-play” laws, including SEC Rule 206(4)-5, MSRB Rule G-37, and state and local laws impacting the political activity of current and prospective government contractors, investment advisers, and others.

Ms. Abdoli also advises on election laws nationwide, including assisting clients in strategically navigating the initiative and referendum process.  She has served as counsel and treasurer for a number of ballot measure committees and political action committees throughout the country.

Since 2016, Ms. Abdoli has been annually selected for inclusion in Northern California Super Lawyers – Rising Stars, which recognizes no more than the top 2.5 percent of lawyers. The Rising Star category recognizes attorneys who are age 40 or less, or in the practice of law 10 years or less.  She is also a regular speaker with the Practising Law Institute. 

Ms. Abdoli is a proud graduate of UC Berkeley, where she majored in Political Science and Rhetoric, and has many fond memories of her classes at IGS.  She attended law school at Santa Clara University.