Education
- Tulane University Law School, J.D., 2010
- Clemson University, Sports Management, 2007, cum laude
Bar Admissions
- Louisiana, 2010
As someone who thoroughly enjoys problem solving, Melissa has always been attracted to the critical and analytical thinking skills required in the practice of the law, and she practices them well. As a four time high school volleyball state champion and lover of challenges, Melissa is competitive by nature and passionate about everything she does. These qualities are what make her indispensable as a lawyer today. Melissa knows that litigation is tough for all parties involved, so she dedicates herself to finding personalized, thorough solutions for her clients and building lasting relationships with them. Fueled by her job's daily challenges, Melissa relishes in the chance to think outside the box for her clients. Her determination manifests every day as she operates under the belief that you should never regret anything in life. To Melissa, if it's good, it's wonderful, and if it's bad, it's experience. Keeping this in mind, Melissa is always learning as an attorney. She never sees failure, but simply an opportunity to grow for the benefit of the client. Ultimately, clients will find Melissa to be an advocate who is passionate in her work and compassionate in her approach, exactly what you need in a litigation attorney.
Professional Recognition
Important Litigation Involvement
- National coordinating counsel on behalf of a Fortune 200 energy client and its subsidiaries in connection with their toxic tort litigation, including the preparation and presentation of corporate representatives for depositions.
- Lead counsel for Fortune 50 and Fortune 200 energy clients in benzene exposure cases against both premises and products claims.
- Defend Fortune 50 and Fortune 200 clients in asbestos matters in both Federal and State courts of Louisiana with responsibilities that include preparation for cross examination of fact witnesses at trial, dispositive motion practice, and working closely with expert witnesses, including preparing and presenting retained experts for deposition and conducting cross-examination of opposing experts.
- Co-lead counsel for Fortune 500 forest products client on various expropriation claims in Louisiana.
- Representation of Fortune 50 energy client in premises liability claim arising out of worksite injury.
- Briefed and argued multiple dispositive motions resulting in client dismissals in Louisiana state courts.
News & Knowledge
- August 15, 2024
41 FormanWatkins Attorneys Honored by Best Lawyers in America
Read More - May 29, 2024
FormanWatkins Hosts Fourth Annual Diversity Pipeline Program
Read More - August 21, 2023
45 FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers® Award Recipients
Read More - December 1, 2022
FormanWatkins Partners Named to New Orleans Magazine 2022 Top Lawyers List
Read More - August 18, 2022
FormanWatkins Attorneys Included in 2023 Best Lawyers® List
Read More - October 28, 2021
Abbott, Abraham, Fuller, and Gray Recognized as “Top Lawyers” by New Orleans Magazine
Read More - August 19, 2021
FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized in 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers®
Read More - August 20, 2020
FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized in 2021 Edition of Best Lawyers®
Read More - March 23, 2020
New Orleans Partners Guest Lecture Toxic Torts Class at LSU Law School
Read More - February 18, 2020
FormanWatkins Hosts Lunch and Learn at Southern University Law School
Read More - December 19, 2019
2020 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Read More - January 4, 2019
Arthur, Fuller, Roy, and Smith Promoted to Partner
Read More - January 2, 2019
2019 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Read More - December 27, 2017
Louisiana Super Lawyers Announced for 2018
Read More
Professional Recognition
- Selected to The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch list in Litigation – Environmental, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2021-2023)
- Selected as a Top Lawyer by New Orleans Magazine (2021 and 2022)
- Selected to Super Lawyers Louisiana Rising Stars (2018-2020)
Organization/Committee Memberships
- Women’s Energy Network – South Louisiana Chapter
- Board Director of Communications
- New Orleans Bar Association
- DRI: The Voice of the Defense Bar
- FormanWatkins New Orleans Office Recruiting Committee Chair
Speaking Engagements
- Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University, Guest Lecturer, Toxic Torts Class, 2018 and 2020
- “Finding Your Voice: Strategies for Preparing for and Defending 30(b)(6) Depositions,” Summit V, May 2019, New Orleans, Louisiana
Publications
- “When Your Rights Depend on Your Paycheck: The Scary Way Courts Are Deciding Right of Publicity Cases.” 12 Tul. J. Tech & Intell. Prop. 277-292 (2009).
- “At the Direction of the User or Service Provider: The District Court of Northern California Takes a Stand on What Constitutes Creating a Copy Under DMCA Safe Harbors.” 11 Tul. J. Tech. & Intell. Prop. 147-156 (2008).
Law School Honors & Awards
- Tulane Journal of Technology & Intellectual Property, 2009 Quill Award Winner