Melanie leverages her decades of experience in trial and appellate litigation to protect the interests of her clients in transactional matters. She brings her past litigation experience to her transactional practice in the areas of business and commercial law, real estate, easements, title insurance, commercial leases, zoning law, collection, administrative law, dispute resolution and related matters.
Some of her published decisions include Miller v. Kirkpatrick, 377 Md. 335 (2003); Ochse v. Henry, 202 Md. App. 521 (2011); Wood v. Valliant, 231 Md.App. 686 (2017); Eastern Shore Title Company v. Osche, 453 Md. 303 (2017); and Muffoletto v. Towers, 244 Md.App. 510 (2020).
Prior to joining MDSW, Melanie was a principal of the law firm of Jacobs & Barney LLC (formerly the Law Offices of Michael J. Jacobs) where she practiced for 26 years. She served as managing partner for the last 12 years of her tenure at that firm. Prior to joining Jacobs & Barney, she served as law clerk to the Hon. Barbara Kerr Howe of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
Melanie grew up and lives on the Eastern Shore with her husband and her two sons. She was involved for many years as a leader in scouting with both of her boys achieving the rank of Eagle scout. She enjoys yoga, hiking and outdoor adventures with her family.
Bar Admissions
- Oregon, 2022
- Washington, 2020
- Maryland, 1996
Court Admissions
- 2019, U.S. Supreme Court
- 2018, U.S. District Court of Maryland