Melissa practices in a variety of areas including estate planning and administration, commercial and estate litigation, business and real estate law.  She is a skilled communicator and advocate for her clients, providing sound and practical guidance at each stage of the case.  Melissa is professional, attentive, and compassionate whether she is assisting her clients with their estate plan, the probate of a loved one's estate, or a contentious dispute.
 
In her estate planning and administration practice, Melissa specializes in probate and trust administration and related litigation, estate planning, and conservatorships and guardianships.  She brings harmony to individuals and families dealing with end-of-life issues and helps them efficiently navigate the estate administration process from beginning to end.  When probate or trust litigation arises, Melissa acts as a zealous advocate for her clients, while also keeping in mind the delicate family dynamics intrinsic to estate litigation.  She is adept at guiding her clients through both the emotional and technical nuances of this niche area.
 
Melissa has a diverse litigation practice defending companies and individuals in business, real estate, and employment disputes.  Her clients benefit from her practical approach to litigation and drive to achieve favorable and creative solutions to legal issues, whether through resolution in or out of court.
 
Melissa enjoys being actively involved in the Portland legal community.  She currently serves on the Executive Committee and is the Chair for the Business Litigation Section of the Oregon State Bar, the Events Planning Committee for the Multnomah Bar Association, the Portland Committee of the University of Oregon Law School Alumni Association, and the Associates Committee for the Campaign for Equal Justice.  In these roles, she is able to contribute to the enrichment of the legal profession by donating her time and support to these and other worthy legal causes.

Little Known Facts: Has a degree in biomedical engineering | Avid snowboarder | Ran Boston marathon in 2006