Prior to establishing her practice, Melissa was an Associate Attorney handling matters related to probate, estate planning, eminent domain and land use. Melissa worked as an Assistant County Attorney where she prepared legal opinions, contracts, ordinances, and interlocal agreements. Her practice areas included animal welfare, ethics, sports tourism, mortgages, leisure services, affordable housing and legislation. In addition, she served as counsel to the Board of Adjustment, Animal Control Board, Parks and Preservation Advisory Committee, Library Advisory Board and the Historical Commission.

Melissa has over fifteen years of experience in public service. She served as the Director of Constituent Services for three United States Senators coordinating community events and supervising employees handling various issues including veterans benefits, social security and immigration.

EDUCATION/ADMISSIONS

  • Juris Doctor, Barry University School of Law, 2016.

  • Masters Degree in Public Administration, from Baruch College, City of New York, 2010

  • Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology, University of Rochester, 1996.

  • Admitted to The Florida Bar in 2017.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Fellow, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, 2021-2023

  • Member, Government and Public Policy Committee Member of the Florida Bar, 2020-Present

  • Member, Hispanic Business Council of the Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, 2022

  • Chapter Representative, Seminole Florida Association of Women Lawyers, 2020-2021

  • Member, Finance & Tax Committee Member, Florida Association of County Attorneys, 2019-2022

  • Board Member, UCP of Central Florida, 2013-2015

AWARDS / PUBLICATIONS

  • The Brownfields Program - A Practitioner’s Summary for Rehabilitation, Economic Development, and Liability Protection, ActionLine, a publication of the FL Bar RPPTL Section, Winter 2021.

  • Finalist, Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida Scholarship, 2015

  • Don Quijote Award for Excellence, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, 2012

  • La Prensa’s Hispanic Women Who Make a Difference in Public Service, 2010