Melissa is an experienced and dedicated business litigator. She represents prominent national corporations in complex contract, intellectual property, banking, employment, and business disputes, as well as professional malpractice matters. Melissa’s extensive experience litigating intellectual property matters includes patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret disputes. Melissa also represents banks and financial institutions in class action and complex civil litigations, including matters involving allegations of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, as well as those implicating their BSA/AML programs. In addition, Melissa regularly works with European companies expanding into the United States, assisting her clients with negotiating and drafting contracts, as well as providing risk management counseling.
She has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in diverse areas, including the financial, aerospace, pharmaceutical, medical, dental, and genetic testing industries. She has prosecuted and defended high-stakes cases in federal and state courts across New York State and elsewhere, frequently obtaining or opposing applications for preliminary injunctive relief.
In addition to litigating business and intellectual property cases, Melissa is the firm's Equine Practice and Agriculture Practice Leader. Melissa—an owner, breeder, and experienced rider of national champion Arabian and Half-Arabian horses—is also well-versed in and uniquely positioned to practice equine and agriculture law. Melissa’s knowledge of these industries, combined with her experience in contract and litigation matters, makes her particularly adept at protecting the diverse legal needs of agricultural operations and horse owners, breeders, trainers, and equestrian facilities. Melissa represents clients in a broad range of matters, including those related to equine and agriculture litigation, dispute resolution, and industry specific contracts.
Services
Education
Canisius College, B.A., summa cum laude
University at Buffalo School of Law, J.D., cum laude
Admissions
- New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
- U.S. Court of Claims
Recognitions
- Listed, Best Lawyers in America (Commercial Litigation, Gaming Law) 2020 - 2025
- Listed, Upstate New York Super Lawyers (Business Litigation) 2013 - 2024
- Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 award, 2014
- National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under Forty
- Leadership Buffalo Class of 2014
News & Insights
Professional
- Federal Bar Association
- New York State Bar Association
- Bar Association of Erie County
- Co-Chair of Intellectual Property, Computer, and Entertainment Law Committee, Bar Association of Erie County