Bio

Melissa’s practice is focused on conducting civil rights and workplace misconduct investigations for colleges, universities, school districts, and employers across a wide range of industries in the public and private sector. She is certified by the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA) as a Civil Rights Investigator and is a pre-approved Sexual Misconduct Investigator for the United Educators ProResponse Expert Services Benefit.

Melissa also represents petitioners in New York guardianship proceedings, and serves on the Part 36 list as a Court Evaluator and an attorney for persons who are alleged to be incapacitated.  Her practice also includes representation of sellers and purchasers in residential real estate transactions.

Before co-founding Dizon & Shedden, P.C., Melissa defended healthcare providers and facilities in medical malpractice and negligence actions, and represented hospitals in petitions for involuntary retention, treatment over objection matters, and assisted outpatient treatment. She also assisted physicians and other healthcare providers in employment contract reviews and regulatory and compliance issues.  Prior to becoming an attorney, she worked in the healthcare field in clinical and administrative capacities.

Melissa and her husband live in Dutchess County with their children and dogs. When she is not working, Melissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on her children at recitals and sporting events, at local barre and Zumba workouts, and exploring the region’s food scene.

Education
  • Albany Law School, J.D., cum laude, Health Law Concentration (2011)
  • Stony Brook University, B.S., magna cum laude, Public Health (2005)
Bar & Court Admissions
  • New York (2012)
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (2013)
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York (2013)
Awards and Honors
  • Amee Van Tassell Young Lawyer Award, Dutchess County Bar Association (2022)
  • SuperLawyers Rising Star (2017-2022)
  • America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators for Upstate New York (2018)
Professional Associations
  • New York State Bar Association
  • Mid-Hudson Women’s Bar Association
  • Dutchess County Bar Association
  • Association of Workplace Investigators
  • ATIXA
Community Involvement
  • Member, Dutchess County Board of Health (2016-2021)
  • Chair, Dutchess County Health Disparities Committee (2017-2021)