Melissa James

Melissa James focuses her legal practice on representing employers and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation and premises liability matters.

Melissa joined the firm with an extensive legal background in litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Melissa represented corporations in government investigations; worked in the Charities Bureau at the New York Office of the Attorney General investigating claims against charitable organizations; and represented claimants in complex workers’ compensation matters and shareholders in antitrust litigation disputes. Melissa is known for being a reliable legal strategist with superior negotiation skills. She understands the importance of handling each case with care and enjoys working closely with clients to yield successful results.

Melissa taught courses in Business Law as an Adjunct Professor and serves on the Board of Directors for The Society of New York Workers’ Compensation Bar Association. She also volunteers with not-for-profit organizations that are focused on impacting change in underrepresented communities.

During law school, Melissa served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Robert R. Rigsby, Superior Court, Washington, D.C.

Services

• Commercial Litigation
• Complex Tort & General Casualty
• Workers' Compensation

Admissions Bars

• New York

Memberships & Affiliations

• The Society of New York Workers’ Compensation Bar Association, Board of Directors
• New York Women’s Bar Association
• Sanctuary for Families Pro Bono Council

Awards & Distinctions

• The National Black Lawyers Top 100 List (2021-2024) (New York)
• The National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 List (2018) (New York)

Education

• Vermont Law School, J.D., 2005
• Hampton University, B.A., 2001