Overview

Melinda J. Wetzel is an active litigator in federal and state court. She has argued before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and won two federal trials, a bench trial in the Western District of Texas and a jury trial in the Southern District of Texas. Mindy regularly defends clients in civil litigation involving claims under:

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Equal Pay Act (EPA)
  • Various other state and federal employment laws

Mindy also represents clients at various forms of alternative dispute resolution, such as private and agency-based mediations and arbitrations. She assists clients with personnel investigations and pre-litigation resolution, and presents client trainings on a variety of topics, including discrimination and harassment avoidance.

Previously, Mindy served as an assistant attorney general in the General Litigation Division of the Office of Attorney General, where she defended the state of Texas, its officials, and employees in constitutional and employment litigation matters in state and federal court.

Prior to moving to Austin in 2019, Mindy practiced law for five years in Illinois. During that time, she litigated claims for contributions and withdrawal liability under ERISA in federal courts across the Midwest, and represented school districts, municipalities, community colleges, and other public entities in Illinois state and federal courts as well as in labor arbitration and grievance proceedings.

Speaking Engagements

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

CenTexSHRM, Belton, TX

October 11, 2023

Multistate Remote Work: Managing Risk in the New Reality

University of Texas System 2023 Legal Conference Agenda, Austin, TX

September 21, 2023

Title IX Training

University of Texas System Title IX Annual Training, Austin, TX

August 2-3, 2023

Education

  • J.D., DePaul University College of Law, 2013
  • B.F.A., Roosevelt University Chicago, 2007with honors

Bar Admission

Texas
Illinois

Courts

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • Illinois Supreme Court
  • Cook County Circuit Court
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin