Skip to Main Content
Overview

A results-oriented litigator with over two decades of trial experience, Melissa represents clients in real estate matters.

Melissa began her legal career in criminal law over 20 years ago, leading prosecution teams in both state and federal court and defending clients in state court. Prior to managing a criminal defense firm, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Tennessee for five years. Her criminal cases brought her to the courtroom often, and she is highly skilled at oral argument. Melissa has extensive experience persuading juries, and high-stress, high-stakes cases are a matter of routine for her.

At Husch Blackwell, Melissa represents clients in complex commercial litigation, most often in matters involving real property or construction. With her solid background in criminal law, she also handles white collar matters as well. Melissa represents clients throughout the country and joined Husch Blackwell out of enthusiasm for the firm’s national footprint.

In addition to her extensive trial experience, Melissa is also a gifted negotiator who loves getting to yes. She's known for her strength at developing and building relationships, bringing parties together, and navigating adversarial issues effectively. Melissa has the experience to know whether trial or settlement will lead to the best outcome for a client, and her litigation strategies always keep client results and client goals front and center.

Industry

Services

Education

  • J.D., Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law
  • B.S., Georgia Southern University

Admissions

  • Georgia
  • South Carolina
  • District of Columbia
  • Tennessee (Practice Pending Admission)
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Bar Association
Experience
  • Handled criminal cases in juvenile, state, and superior courts and worked with children and families in dependency and custody cases.
  • As Assistant U.S. Attorney, coordinated investigations with federal, state, local, and NGO agencies; presented cases for federal grand jury investigation and indictment; handled a variety of cases, including trafficking, counterfeiting, exploitation, national security violations, white collar fraud, firearms violations, and computer crimes. Cases included a high-profile national security case covered extensively by the Washington Post.
  • Trained prosecutors as a Senior Attorney at the National District Attorney's Association to build solid cases and successfully conduct jury trials.
  • Served as a state prosecutor in South Carolina state courts, trying cases ranging from murder to fraud.
Outside the Office

Melissa devotes much of her free time to her family: she and her husband have two elementary-aged children who keep the family calendar full with sports and other activities. She also enjoys traveling abroad, paddling, hiking, and football.