Melissa A. Lewis is known for her strategic thinking and client-centered approach. She focuses on employment litigation and providing advice and counsel to employers across a wide range of industries. She has a proven record of successfully navigating complex employment disputes, and providing practical, business-focused solutions that align with her clients' goals.
Throughout her career, Melissa has effectively defended clients in cases involving allegations of harassment, discrimination, disability accommodations, whistleblower, retaliation, and related claims, achieving favorable outcomes through settlements, dispositive motions, and trial verdicts. Melissa’s experience extends to class and collective actions in wage and hour disputes, where she has navigated complex litigation involving claims of unpaid overtime, misclassification of employees, record keeping, and meal and rest break violations.
Melissa has also successfully represented clients in arbitration and before administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Civil Rights (formerly DFEH), Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, and Employment Development Department.
In addition to her litigation prowess, Melissa conducts confidential workplace investigations and audits, and serves as a trusted advisor to employers, providing proactive guidance on a wide range of employment-related matters that focus on compliance with evolving employment laws, employee relations, policy development, and risk management. Her goal is to help clients minimize legal risks while fostering positive workplace environments.
Melissa is a sought-after speaker and writer on labor and employment topics, contributing insights to industry publications and seminars.
During law school, Melissa was editor of the Thomas Jefferson Law Review, on the Distinguished Honor Roll, and recipient of the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence, CALI Excellence for the Future Award, and Jefferson Medal in recognition of academic excellence. She was Valedictorian of her class.
