Melissa was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising in 2001, worked at Baker Botts, LLP, in Austin following college graduation and obtained her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law in 2005.
While at South Texas, Melissa was a member of two varsity appellate advocacy teams. She competed in the 2004 William B. Spong Jr., National Invitational Moot Court Competition, where she argued before judges from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and earned her team's place as competition finalists.
Also while attending law school, Melissa interned at the Harris County Attorney's Office Children's Protective Services Division and then at the Harris County District Attorney's Office for the Juvenile Division.
Melissa was admitted to the Texas bar in 2005, and joined Bradford N. Oesch, P.C., as an associate in February 2006, where she focuses her practice on general civil litigation. Melissa is married and is actively involved in pet therapy for the sick and/or elderly with her Labrador Retrievers, Maple and Madison.
Education:
- South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas, 2005, J.D.
- University of Texas, Austin, Texas, 2001, B.S.
Honors and Awards:
- Member, Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas, 2007, 2009
- Best Brief Award, Leroy Jeffers Memorial Moot Court Competition, 2005
- Finalist, William B. Spong Jr. National Moot Court Tournament, 2004
- Semi-Finalist, State Bar Admin. & Public Law Moot Court Tournament, 2004
- Best Speaker Award, Garland Walker Memorial Mock Trial Tournament, 2003
Associations:
- University of Texas Exes
- Faithful Paws Pet Therapy of Houston
Languages:
- Spanish
