My clients need a practical approach. What happened? What’s the most efficient way to resolve it? Sometimes there’s an easy fix. Other times, it’s not so easy. So we work through the issues to eliminate the problem. Of course, that’s not always possible, so we must be ready to take the fight to court.

Melissa guides school boards and other public entities through complex challenges and disputes over constitutional law and discrimination claims, special education issues, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) concerns, and allegations of Title VII and Title IX violations. In addition, she helps business employers resolve and strategize issues on a  variety of employment law matters and related litigation.

Clients appreciate Melissa’s responsive and practical approach to resolving their disputes as efficiently as possible. She worked on “the other side of the table” at a non-profit law center early in her career, so clients know Melissa understands the challenges they face. They count on her experience and seasoned perspective to identify the optimal path to victory in the courtroom, in mediations, artibrations, and at the negotiating table.

The body of law impacting employers is dynamic and ever-changing, and it can be hard for Melissa’s clients to stay ahead of new rules and regulations. That’s where she comes in. Melissa believes a robust training program is key to minimizing lawsuits and claims for her school board and other education clients. She delivers formal training throughout the year and keeps clients updates on evolving legal issues.