Overview
Melissa Malerman is a litigation attorney who brings more than two decades of state government and legal experience to her practice in election law, campaign finance, and administrative law. She spent more than fifteen years with the Michigan Secretary of State, serving as Staff Attorney, Senior Election Law Specialist, and Director of the Filings, Disclosure and Compliance Division, after serving as Deputy Majority Counsel to the Michigan House of Representatives.
Melissa draws on that experience to advise clients on a wide range of matters involving federal, state, and municipal elections, campaign financing, lobbying, and government affairs. Her in-depth understanding of election law enables her to guide clients through each stage of the ballot access process, from drafting local ballot question petitions to filing for office, petition circulation, and certification to the ballot. She also counsels clients on bringing or opposing ballot access challenges, including matters involving state and local initiatives, recalls, and judicial elections.
Melissa’s litigation practice also extends to litigation involving environmental permits and environmental torts. She provides comprehensive litigation support, handling court appearances, drafting briefs, preparing expert and fact witnesses for depositions and trial, and conducting thorough research and analysis. Melissa has represented clients before the Board of State Canvassers, the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules, circuit court, the Court of Claims, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
Melissa has completed the Hillman Trial Advocacy program.
Services
Practice Areas
Experience
Prior Experience
- Michigan Secretary of State, Director of Filings, Disclosure and Compliance Division, 2020-2021; Senior Election Law Specialist, 2010-2020; Staff Attorney, 2005-2010
- Michigan House of Representatives, Deputy Majority Counsel Michigan House of Representatives, 1999-2005
Credentials
Education
- cum laude
Admissions
- Michigan
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan