Ms. Melinda Knisley, Member of Croskery Law Offices

Melinda Knisley (pronounced, “Nicely”) is admitted to the bar in Ohio, Florida, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, and the Sixth Circuit United States Court of Appeals.

Melinda majored in Psychology at Miami University of Ohio, graduating with honors in 1977. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa due to her scholarship. Melinda was awarded a full scholarship and teaching fellowship in Miami University’s Clinical Psychology PhD Program, which she entered in the fall of 1977. Melinda studied Clinical Psychology in this graduate program for almost two years before deciding to change course and go to law school. Her years studying depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress have proven to be very valuable to Melinda in dealing with clients who are experiencing extreme emotional distress. This is the case with many of our clients who are victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or who have lost a loved one.

Melinda graduated at the top of her class at the University of Cincinnati College of Law (finishing in December 1983), and was a member of Law Review and Order of the Coif.

From January 1984 through August 1999, Melinda was strictly a defense lawyer, working from 1984-1986 in the litigation department of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, followed by twelve years as Assistant General Counsel at Clopay Corporation. Melinda brings knowledge of defense strategies and tactics to our Plaintiff-oriented practice. Melinda is gratified by helping victims of sexual harassment heal and find closure by regaining their power against those who have wronged them.

Melinda has deep experience with all sides of sex discrimination and sexual harassment. She has been a female in the workplace since she got her first job at age 14, and KNOWS the traumas that sometimes confront working women. At Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, she represented employers. At Clopay Corporation, she defended Clopay in sexual harassment matters, and she conducted extensive sexual harassment training for employees in an effort to prevent it from happening. Since 1999, she and Rob have represented over 70 victims of sexual harassment.

Melinda has served a two-year term as Trustee on the Board of Cincinnati Bar Association, and was a Trustee on the Board of Cincinnati Bar Foundation, a philanthropic organization.

In 1996, Melinda was chosen to be in the inaugural class of the Cincinnati Academy of Leadership for Lawyers, a nine-month course in leadership and professionalism.

Melinda has an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, which is a rating determined by her fellow lawyers. The AV rating is the highest rating given by Martindale Hubbell, and stands for the highest level of skill as an attorney and the highest ethics and character.

Melinda has three sons, Sean, Michael, and Ryan. She has been active in church and school activities.