Melissa, a Partner in the firm, helps companies navigate the legal minefields of complex litigation. Understanding that multi-issue, multi-jurisdictional and multi-party suits bring unique challenges, Melissa is adept at managing all of the factors impacting litigation strategy, while simultaneously ensuring her client’s interests are protected. 

She coordinates efforts to ensure her client’s objectives are met at every step of the process, whether it’s managing large scale e-discovery efforts, preparing and defending expert witnesses for deposition and trial, undertaking complex data analyses or dealing with accelerated/conflicting timelines. She employs a client-centric focus to remain cognizant of the expense of litigation and works to control costs with effective case management and budgeting tools, risk-assessment techniques, and through various mediation and arbitration methods when appropriate. 

Melissa works directly with companies to preserve electronically stored information in compliance with state and federal court requirements. She assists clients in developing effective, standardized procedures, protocols, and methodologies to manage risk and control costs at each stage of the e-discovery cycle.

In addition, she has obtained significant jury trial experience, including participating in multiple product liability trials for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company, and defending Wal-Mart on a contract claim in federal court in Dayton, Ohio. Melissa has also acquired significant appellate experience in multiple appellate jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court of Ohio.

While her litigation work is concentrated in mass tort and product liability, she also defends many local hospital entities in medical malpractice and negligent credentialing matters. Her experience spans a variety of industries at both the state and federal level.