Melissa is a direct communicator valued for distilling complex information into clear, actionable solutions. She develops creative approaches that advance her clients' interests by thoroughly understanding all perspectives. Known for her proactive problem-solving mindset, Melissa guides clients through each stage of trademark and copyright management – from selection and adoption to prosecution of domestic and international applications – while building and maintaining comprehensive intellectual property portfolios.
Melissa leverages her extensive experience in intellectual property, information technology and publishing to counsel nonprofit organizations on intellectual property issues and portfolio development; technology, publishing and service agreements; promotions; and enforcement and breach of contract matters. Associations and nonprofits look to Melissa as a strategic partner for their legal needs.
Melissa is co-chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee and has led a variety of firmwide initiatives.
Professional and Community Involvement
- Member, Chicago Women in IP
- Member, International Trademark Association
- Member, Association Forum of Chicagoland
- Member, American Society of Association Executives
Honors
- Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars, Trademark Star-Illinois, 2019-2021, 2024
- Leading Lawyers list, 2019
- World Trademark Review 1000, 2017-2019
- Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars Top 250 Women in IP, 2013 (inaugural edition)
- Chicago Lawyer Women in Law, 2011
