Gillis, Melissa R.

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Gillis, Melissa R.

Melissa R. Gillis

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I believe that an important key to being a successful attorney is adaptability. I adjust my strategy to suit each situation as it presents itself. I adapt to judges' styles as well as those of opposing counsel. Sometimes I have to be aggressive and take a hard-line stance, but sometimes it makes more sense to be flexible and negotiate. I also enjoy taking a client through a sometimes very emotional cycle to a satisfactory result. It makes me feel good at the end of the day when I've successfully guided somebody through a complex area of the law and accomplished their goals. My clients know that I have listened to their feelings, anxieties, fears and wishes, and have advocated for them accordingly.

Bar & Court Admissions

Massachusetts, 2002
U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts
U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit

Education

Quinnipiac University School of Law, Bridgeport, Connecticut
- J.D. - 2000
- Honors: Distinguished Academic Achievement Award in Bankruptcy, 2000
- Honors: Distinguished Academic Achievement Award in Representing Clients, 2000
- Honors: Excellence in Clinical Workaround Award, 2000
- Honors: Tax Litigation Award, 2000
Elms College
- B.A. - 1996

Awards, Achievements & Appointments

Certified Mediator
Recipient, Distinguished Academic Achievement Awards in Bankruptcy & Representing Clients, 2000
Recipient, Excellence in Clinical Workaround Award, 2000
Recipient, Tax Litigation Award, 2000

Professional Associations and Memberships

Trustee, Elms College, 2016-Present
- Chair of Buildings and Grounds Committee, 2018-Present
- Member, Executive Committee, 2018-Present
Certified, Limited Assistance Representation Program with the Hampden County Probate and Family Court, 2009-Present
Member, Pope Francis Preparatory School Athletic Booster Club, 2019-Present
Member, Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation (MCFM)
Speaker, Rebuilding Support Group, February 2014
Member, Civility Standards Sub-Committee, Hampden County Bar
Member, Magistrate Protocol Sub-Committee, Hampden County Bar
Member, Court Conciliation Program, Hampden County Bar
Member, Human Rights Committee, The Association for Community Living, 2009-2014
Member, Women’s Business Owners Alliance of Pioneer Valley, 2009-Present