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My Mission

 

My mission is to provide legal counsel that not only delivers clear and practical solutions but also gives my clients peace of mind. I strive to build lasting professional relationships that allow me to deeply understand each client’s unique business and goals. As a trusted partner and fellow business owner, I proactively identify risks and craft effective strategies, ensuring that the legal foundations of their business are solid and secure. With me in their corner, my clients can move forward with confidence, knowing they have an ally dedicated to protecting their vision and supporting their success.

 

Meet Mel

FOUNDER AND MANAGING ATTORNEY

In 6th grade, I watched LA Law. I loved the storylines and the way the attorneys worked and I decided I wanted to be a lawyer. (Related: I also aspired to find a Blair Underwood look-alike in law school.) Then I actually stuck with my 6th-grade career plan, surprising no one around me and setting a precedent for fiercely pursuing my dreams ever since.

 

After law school, I worked for various for-profit and non-profit organizations, specializing in commercial transactions and corporate law (and, in case you’re wondering: yes, I love working with contracts).

 
Mel flexing her biceps with two athletes

Having been an elite level and collegiate level gymnast at MSU, I also became a gymnastics coach, bringing me immense joy and balancing out my lawyerly days. Coaching gymnastics and practicing law aren’t as different as they may seem— both require me to be a driven leader, teacher, and advocate. I coach and challenge everyone around me and strive to set an example of excellence in everything I do. That’s how I naturally ended up coaching some friends through their small business legal questions—and the idea for MDG Law Virtual was born!

Mel with a red necklace, black and white shirt with her arms out in song

When I join your team as your small business lawyer, you’ll get much more than a handful of billable hours and a checked box—you get a true partner, ally, and fellow small business owner in your corner.

I look forward to cheering you on as your business thrives and grows!

 

More stats about me:

Education: B.A. in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from James Madison College at Michigan State University, J.D. from University of Michigan Law School.

Work experience: Frost Brown Todd, GE Aviation, MedStar, University of Maryland Medical System, The Chartis Group, and the American Medical Association.

Passion projects: In 2020, I created the MGAM Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting cis and transgender Black female students in their educational pursuits. Around the same time, I also started career coaching former D1/D2/D3 athletes looking to transition into a professional career.

Superpower: being my authentic self.

Walk-on song: Brick House by Commodores.

My favorite things: a glass of wine or cocktail, cheering for the Spartans, traveling, working out, and creating memories with family and friends.

 
 
“Melissa made everything a flawless experience! She’s warm, easy to talk to, and totally understood my needs. Mel is definitely my future go-to person for all my contracts and anything else I need.”
— Alana Lindenfeld, Alana Lindenfeld Photography
 
White top with black leather pants

Add me to your team

As a small business owner, you want to make the right legal decisions but sometimes feel overwhelmed by where to start. That’s where I come in! I launched MDG Law Virtual to empower entrepreneurs like you with expert legal guidance that builds confidence and drives success. Think of me as your business partner, here to help you navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and lay the groundwork for growth. Let’s connect—I’d love to hear about your vision and help you make it happen!

 

Someone In Your Corner

Running a small business can be downright terrifying

The stakes are high. You want to protect what you’ve built and keep things running smoothly—but legal decisions can feel overwhelming and easy to avoid. That’s where I come in. With trusted legal guidance, you can stop guessing, start protecting, and stay focused on what matters most: growing your business.

Here’s how I help:

  • Build your foundation – Entity counseling + business formation

  • Protect your interests – Contract drafting and review

  • Secure your brand – Trademark protection

  • Get support when you need it – Ongoing legal counsel and membership plans

    Imagine running the legal side of your business with backup from the best.

When I launched MDG Law Virtual, it was to be the kind of legal partner solopreneurs and small business owners actually need—one who understands your business, your goals, and what’s at stake. I offer flexible, transparent legal services built around your business—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence, knowing you’ve got someone in your corner who’s all in.

Consider me part of your team. And yes, you can start using the line: “Let me check with my attorney and get back to you.”

“Mel is so quick in responding to me. I send her an email and five minutes later I’m already getting a response. She’s very diligent, attentive, and always on top of it. ”
— Ann Siegrist
 
 

Get in Touch

I place a high value on diversity and inclusion. As a woman-owned and Black-owned business, MDG Law Virtual is founded on the idea that a diversity of perspectives brings opportunities for growth and innovation—and partnerships make us all stronger. I hope that clients of all adult ages, gender identities, races, sexual orientations, physical or mental abilities, and ethnicities feel welcome reaching out.

Let’s find ways to collaborate and strengthen your legal protection.

 
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