Press Release

Ice Miller Grows Its Governmental Benefits Team and Welcomes NYC Police Pension Fund Veteran Nicole Giambarrese

Issued by Ice Miller

Mar. 14, 2025

Ice Miller is pleased to announce the addition of former General Counsel of the New York City Police Pension Fund Nicole Giambarrese as a Partner on the firm’s Governmental Benefits team. With more than twenty years of experience serving the largest municipal police department in the world, Giambarrese’s practice will leverage her unique perspectives and insights to help deliver innovative solutions to governmental employers on matters pertaining to complex benefits administration and federal fiduciary and taxation concerns.

With lawyers and business professionals dedicated to the unique needs of our public sector clients, Ice Miller has served government entities across 43 states, the District of Columbia, and the federal government for more than 40 years. Giambarrese is well-positioned to help local and state governmental employers, as well as retirement systems, navigate employee benefit issues and federal tax compliance.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nicole to our comprehensive and multifaceted Governmental Benefits team,” said Kathleen Sheil Scheidt, Partner and Chair of Ice Miller’s Workplace Solutions Group. “Nicole’s extensive knowledge of employee benefits law, coupled with her leadership experience in public pensions, make her a valuable asset to our clients.”

Giambarrese’s time managing the legal operations of the New York City Police Pension Fund afforded her unparalleled insight into the complex legal matters surrounding employee benefits at the highest level, including real-world experience in balancing the practical administration of a complex pension system with federal law requirements. Her experience runs from daily administration to managing the unique issues facing retirement systems. Giambarrese has overseen routine matters such as processing legal papers, domestic relations orders, income execution orders, subpoenas, and delegations of authority; tracked all member and securities litigation to ensure compliance with judicial decisions and settlements; supported agency procurement with drafting and negotiating contracts; and represented the agency in hearings and other proceedings. Giambarrese also brings to bear significant experience in all phases of a pension system upgrade, from drafting the RFP to contracting, programming, and implementation.

Giambarrese’s reputation as a thought leader in the employee benefits space is demonstrated through her frequent speaking at conferences across the country on topics such as fiduciary responsibilities and compliance pitfalls. Her knowledge and leadership have made her a trusted resource in the areas of pension and benefits.

“Nicole has dedicated her professional life to understanding the legal challenges faced by governmental employers traversing the benefits world,” said Audra Ferguson, Partner in Ice Miller’s Governmental Benefits team. “We look forward to employing her strategic approach for the benefit of Ice Miller’s clients.”

Giambarrese graduated with honors from St. John’s University with degrees in philosophy and government and politics. She earned her juris doctor from Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, where she was a Public Interest Law Fellow.

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