CONTACTS
Tel: (757) 995-5606
EDUCATION
Washington and Lee University School of Law – J.D.
The College of William & Mary – B.S. (Environmental Science)
Q
UICK BIO
Ms. Picco has a well-developed expertise in the analysis and drafting of Non-Competes and Non-Solicitation Agreements.
Melissa is originally from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. The Navy brought her to Virginia Beach, when she married her husband, who is an Officer in the US Navy. They have two children, ages 8 and 10. Her free time is focused on volunteering at her children’s’ school and with local environmental causes.
- Representative Experience
- Civil litigation practice involves all aspects of dispute resolution, including litigation, arbitration and mediation.
- Represents employers and employees with Fair Labor Standards Act grievances, EEOC discrimination and sexual harassment claims arising from the workplace
- Provides day-to-day counseling and advice to clients about the various laws affecting the employment relationship, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Fair Labor Standards Act, and other state and federal statutes.
- Assists governmental and private employers in managing and limiting risks through the use of employment policies and procedures and drafts Employee Handbooks for employers, both private and governmental localities.
- Routinely counsels employers regarding workplace issues including with respect to employee complaints and disciplinary actions to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, as well as state and federal law.
- Drafts and negotiates employment, non-competition and severance agreements.
- Represents litigants in construction and contract disputes ranging from mechanics’ liens to installation and design defects to payment and performance bond claims.
- Education
- Washington and Lee University School of Law – J.D.
- The College of William & Mary – B.S. (Environmental Science)
- Bar Admissions
- Virginia State Bar
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- United States District Court, Eastern District
- Professional Associations
- Virginia Bar Association
- Honors / Awards
- Selected to Virginia’s Super Lawyers “Rising Stars“, 2007
- Winner (Best Brief Competition) in the John W. Davis Moot Court Competition
- Semi-Finalist (Oral Advocacy Competition) in the John W. Davis Moot Court Competition
- Member of the National Moot Court Team, Washington and Lee University School of Law
- Presentations / Publications
- Co-Presenter, “Design Practice in a Competitive and Litigious World (Understanding of the Legal Issues and Liabilities Related to the Professional Practice of Architecture and Engineering)”, April 23, 2003