Melissa McKenzie provides claims management and insurance coverage services for lawyers’ professional liability, miscellaneous professional liability, employment practices liability, and directors and officers insurance. She also serves as claims and coverage counsel and provides opinions in coverage matters arising from business disputes and corporate insurance defense. Melissa works with insureds to resolve potential and present issues and advises on cost-effective resolutions of matters on behalf of insurers.
Prior to joining Wilson Elser, Melissa worked for plaintiff law firms handling personal injury cases, in addition to her role as a Senior Claims Examiner for a large international carrier prior to law school.
Areas of Focus
Insurance Coverage, Professional Liability
Melissa’s capabilities range across various professional liability lines of coverage, including lawyers’ professional liability, errors and omissions, miscellaneous professional liability and employment practices liability. She often is engaged to evaluate, negotiate and resolve coverage issues on behalf of insurers.
Employment Practice Liability (EPL)
Melissa’s practice includes coverage evaluation and advocating for favorable resolutions of EEOC charges and civil actions. These lawsuits and administrative complaints involve a wide range of claims for violations of state and federal employment laws, including discrimination allegations, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and retaliation claims.
Lawyers’ Professional Liability (LPL)
Melissa’s practice includes coverage evaluation for claims against insureds involving dozens of practice areas. She also has extensive experience handling bar complaints, the resolution of which directly impacts the reputation and livelihood of her clients’ insureds.