About Frederic N. Ornitz

Attorney at Law | ERISA & Disability Specialist

FNO

Dedicated Advocacy in Employee Benefits & Disability Law

For more than four decades, Frederic N. Ornitz has been a trusted advocate for individuals and businesses facing complex challenges in pension law, employee benefits, and disability claims. His unique background combines government service, private practice partnership, and solo practitioner experience, providing clients with comprehensive legal representation grounded in both regulatory expertise and practical application.

Fred's career began at the IRS National Office, where he spent five years in the Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations division. This formative experience provided him with an insider's understanding of federal pension regulations and tax-qualified retirement plans, knowledge that continues to inform his ERISA practice today.

As a sole practitioner since 1997, Fred provides each client with personal attention and individualized legal strategies. Whether navigating ERISA litigation, appealing Social Security Disability denials, or challenging private disability insurance claim rejections, his approach combines meticulous preparation with a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients.

Professional Experience

1997 – Present
Law Office of Frederic N. Ornitz
Owner and principal attorney, providing personalized legal representation in ERISA matters, Social Security Disability claims, private disability insurance disputes, pension plan compliance, and fiduciary breach litigation. Represents individuals and businesses in administrative proceedings and federal court litigation across Virginia and the surrounding region.
1982 – 1997
Partner | Henry, Maupin & Ornitz
Partner in a boutique law firm specializing in employee benefits, tax law, and business litigation. Developed extensive experience in ERISA Title I and Title II matters, pension plan drafting and compliance, IRS and DOL audits, and complex benefit disputes. Built a reputation for thorough preparation and successful outcomes in challenging cases.
1977 – 1982
Attorney | IRS National Office
Served as an attorney in the Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations division of the Internal Revenue Service National Office in Washington, D.C. Provided technical guidance on qualified retirement plans, reviewed determination letter applications, and drafted regulations and revenue rulings. This experience established a foundation of deep regulatory knowledge that continues to benefit clients today.

Education & Credentials

Law Degree

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Earned law degree from an accredited American law school, providing comprehensive legal education in constitutional law, contracts, litigation, and specialized areas including tax and employee benefits law.

Bar Admission

Licensed Attorney

Admitted to practice law in Virginia and federal courts. Maintains active bar membership and completes continuing legal education requirements to stay current with evolving laws and regulations in ERISA and disability law.

Specialized Training

ERISA & Tax Law

Advanced training in employee benefits law, ERISA regulations, qualified retirement plans, and Social Security Disability practice through IRS National Office service and ongoing professional development.

Areas of Expertise

ERISA Litigation

Pension Plan Compliance

Disability Benefits

Fiduciary Breach Claims

Social Security Appeals

Benefit Plan Drafting

IRS Compliance

DOL Proceedings

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