Melanie was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She earned her undergraduate and law school degrees from the University of Florida in Gainesville. She majored in English, minored in French, and is fluent in Spanish.
In law school, Melanie developed a passion for advocating for underprivileged populations. She worked as a research assistant for her International Human Rights professor, writing a book on the effects of democracy on vulnerable populations. She was a certified legal intern for the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Clinic where she represented victims of domestic violence, and was awarded a Book Award for her work. She served as an editor for the Florida Journal of International Law, and her note on human trafficking was selected to be published by the journal. She was awarded the outstanding achievement award in pro bono and community service for her hours volunteering with several legal aid societies.
The desire to advocate for those in need is what led her to veterans’ disability law. She wanted to use her law degree for the good of others and she found that representing our nation’s veterans at Hill & Ponton.
Practice Areas
- Veterans Law
Prior Employment
- Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Clinic at UF Levin College of Law, Gainesville, FL
Bar Admissions
- Florida Bar
Bar Association Memberships
- Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division
Education
- University of Florida, B.A. Cum laude
- University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D. Cum laude
Awards
- Book Award in Advanced Civil Clinic
- Book Award in International Law
- Book Award in Interviewing Counseling and Negotiation
- Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society
- Golden Key International Honor Society
