STAFF COUNSEL
TRIAL PANEL OVERSIGHT
Since 2019 Melissa has worked for YAD to provide support, oversight and assistance to the approximately 300+ private attorneys throughout the Commonwealth who make up the Juvenile Delinquency, Youthful Offender and GCL panels. A cum laude graduate of Western New England University School of Law, Melissa clerked for the Vermont District Court in Burlington upon graduation. Melissa has practiced for over 27 years.
Prior to her employment at YAD, Melissa had a private practice in Bristol and Plymouth Counties. Melissa worked for several years as a Supervising Attorney for the District and Superior Court attorneys in Bristol County. Melissa most recently worked as the Juvenile Supervising Attorney for CPCS in Bristol County for over 10 years providing support to the juvenile panel. Melissa has successfully defended cases before juries and judges in the Massachusetts Superior, District, and Juvenile courts and she represented numerous clients in evidentiary motions and hearings. She has also represented many clients before the Massachusetts Appellate Courts.