My Why

What powers my practice

When I worked in a corporate law department as an undergraduate, I never dreamt of becoming a lawyer until the attorneys I worked with encouraged me to consider law school. At the time, I was also volunteering at a rape crisis center and came to appreciate how I could help people navigate matters with life-changing consequences. During my career, I have learned to collaborate creatively with attorneys inside and outside my firm to deliver the best outcomes for my clients and I feel a deep satisfaction in making their lives better. I have longstanding relationships with likeminded people to raise money and awareness for causes we care about. Above all, I want people to know I am committed to excellence and genuinely invested in helping those who need my expertise.

Overview

Melinda represents companies in commercial matters with a focus on defending asbestos and silica product liability claims. She draws on her experience across business sectors and issues that include insurance coverage, risk management, railroad, leasing, and entertainment. Melinda also has experience assisting individuals as they pursue and defend personal injury and civil sex offense cases. 

In the pro bono area, Melinda advocates for inmates who appear before the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole by preparing them for hearings and submitting written memoranda on their behalf.

Experience

Solutions in action

Representative matters include:

  • Banyan Investment Company, LLC v. Steven Evans, et al., 2012 UT App. 333.
  • Jackson v. Mateus, 2003 UT 18
  • West v. Holley, 2004 UT 97
  • Normandeau v. Hanson Equipment, Inc. 2007 UT App. 382, cert. granted, 2009 UT 44

Credentials

  • Brigham Young University, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 1995
  • Brigham Young University, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 1991

  • Utah

  • Best Lawyers®, Women in the Law (Salt Lake City, UT), Insurance Law, 2022-Present
  • Utah Legal Elite, Civil Litigation, Utah Business magazine, 2019-present
  • Utah Legal Elite, Family Law, Utah Business magazine, 2015-2016, 2018
  • Best Lawyers®, Litigation – Insurance, 2015-present

Engagement

  • Member, Association of Defense Trial Attorneys
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Utah State Bar
  • Member, Washington State Bar
  • Member, Women Lawyers of Utah
  • Former Chair, BYU Alumni Women’s Law Forum

Insights