SHAREHOLDER
Melissa is a dedicated advocate for justice. Primarily working with families and individuals, she brings over 17 years of experience working in Arizona’s criminal justice system as a victim advocate, a probation officer, and a sex crimes and domestic violence prosecutor. Melissa is a certified mediator, often helping resolve her client’s most personal disputes before they go to trial.
Melissa strives to provide compassionate representation to all of her clients and provides concierge-level service tailored to their unique needs.
She earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Virginia Wesleyan University, and her law degree magna cum laude from Arizona Summit Law School, where she also served on the law review.
Melissa is the proud mother of four precocious and amazing children. In her free time, she and her husband enjoy traveling with their children, baking, and taking care of their animals.
ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
Arizona Women Lawyers Association, Steering Committee
Arizona Thurgood Marshall Inn of Court, Member
Business Network International (BNI) Arizona, Strike Chapter Member
HONORS & AWARDS
National Trial Lawyers, Top 25 National Women Trial Lawyers, 2024
National Trial Lawyers, Top 30 Matrimonial and Family Trial Lawyers, 2024
COMMUNITY & PHILANTHROPY
Wills for Heros, Volunteer, 2013-Present
Maricopa County Bar Association, Volunteer, 2013-Present
Probate Lawyers Assistance Project, Past Volunteer
NEWS
Gallagher & Kennedy lures family law practice from another Valley firm - August 5, 2024
Gallagher & Kennedy Welcomes Lateral Legal Team, Establishing the Firm’s Family Law Practice - August 1, 2024
PRACTICE AREAS
FAMILY LAW
LITIGATION
BAR & COURT ADMISSIONS
Arizona, 2015
New York, 2017
U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 2015
EDUCATION
Arizona Summit Law School
J.D., magna cum laude, 2015
Wesleyan University
B.S., Criminal Justice, minor in Sociology, 2006