Melanie focuses her practice on insurance defense litigation, including first- and third-party auto claims. Her perspective is shaped by a decade of representing plaintiffs in complex personal injury cases, experience that helps her anticipate arguments and understand the tactics used by opposing counsel.

Melanie’s anthropology education shapes how she approaches her legal work. She begins every case by building strong client relationships, communicating clearly, and focusing on what matters most to her clients. She pairs her methodical approach with a creative, results-driven style of legal writing and argument development shaped by years of trial training and litigation experience.

Before joining Zausmer, Melanie managed large litigation dockets and secured favorable outcomes, including a $2.75 million verdict in favor of her client. Her ability to balance detail-oriented preparation with big-picture thinking helps her clients navigate litigation effectively.

Melanie earned her J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, where she served as Symposium Editor of the Law Review and received the Book Award in Criminal Trial Clinic. She holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Wayne State University.

Outside of work, Melanie is active in community efforts including nature conservation, women’s legal organizations, and animal rescue. She lives with her son and three rescue dogs, and spends weekends on DIY home projects or at the gym. She lives by Henry David Thoreau’s words, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”