Melissa A. Hewey

Litigation - Labor and Employment

4.1 (10 reviews)

Portland, Maine

38+ years experience

Drummond Woodsum

Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Contact Information

207-772-1941

https://dwmlaw.com/profile/melissa-a-hewey/

84 Marginal Way, Suite 600, Portland, ME 04101-2480

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Bio

Melissa Hewey is an accomplished litigator with substantial experience across a broad range of practice areas, including insurance defense, school law, higher education law, employment matters, and complex commercial litigation. Melissa has represented a diverse set of clients, such as insurance companies, schools, colleges and universities, municipalities, law firms, hospitals, individuals, and businesses in a variety of industries.Melissa has tried a wide range of cases and argued significant appeals in state and federal courts in Maine and New Hampshire. She regularly represents clients in complex litigation in federal court, including in class action and mass tort cases. In her higher education practice, Melissa works regularly with colleges and universities around the country on Title IX matters, serving in the roles of investigator, decision maker, and at the appellate level. In litigation, Melissa has the expertise, preparation, and commitment to her clients to take their cases from inception to verdict or judgment if trial is required.From 2020 to 2024, Melissa was recognized as a Top Five Maine Lawyer by Super Lawyers. Benchmark Litigation lists her as one of the Top 250 Women in Litigation nationwide.For almost 20 years, Melissa has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for employment, education, municipal, and commercial law categories. She is the first woman in Maine to be inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers and was elected as a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America’s Trial Lawyer Honorary Society. Melissa also serves on the pro bono panel for the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Program in Portland, Maine. Melissa Hewey is an accomplished litigator with substantial experience across a broad range of practice areas, including insurance defense, school law, higher education law, employment matters, and complex commercial litigation. Melissa has represented a diverse set of clients, such as insurance companies, schools, colleges and universities, municipalities, law firms, hospitals, individuals, and businesses in a variety of industries.Melissa has tried a wide range of cases and argued significant appeals in state and federal courts in Maine and New Hampshire. She regularly represents clients in complex litigation in federal court, including in class action and mass tort cases. In her higher education practice, Melissa works regularly with colleges and universities around the country on Title IX matters, serving in the roles of investigator, decision maker, and at the appellate level. In litigation, Melissa has the expertise, preparation, and commitment to her clients to take their cases from inception to verdict or judgment if trial is required.From 2020 to 2024, Melissa was recognized as a Top Five Maine Lawyer by Super Lawyers. Benchmark Litigation lists her as one of the Top 250 Women in Litigation nationwide.For almost 20 years, Melissa has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for employment, education, municipal, and commercial law categories. She is the first woman in Maine to be inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers and was elected as a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America’s Trial Lawyer Honorary Society. Melissa also serves on the pro bono panel for the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Program in Portland, Maine. Melissa Hewey is an accomplished litigator with substantial experience across a broad range of practice areas, including insurance defense, school law, higher education law, employment matters, and complex commercial litigation. Melissa has represented a diverse set of clients, such as insurance companies, schools, colleges and universities, municipalities, law firms, hospitals, individuals, and businesses in a variety of industries. Melissa has tried a wide range of cases and argued significant appeals in state and federal courts in Maine and New Hampshire. She regularly represents clients in complex litigation in federal court, including in class action and mass tort cases. In her higher education practice, Melissa works regularly with colleges and universities around the country on Title IX matters, serving in the roles of investigator, decision maker, and at the appellate level. In litigation, Melissa has the expertise, preparation, and commitment to her clients to take their cases from inception to verdict or judgment if trial is required. From 2020 to 2024, Melissa was recognized as a Top Five Maine Lawyer by Super Lawyers. Benchmark Litigation lists her as one of the Top 250 Women in Litigation nationwide. For almost 20 years, Melissa has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for employment, education, municipal, and commercial law categories. She is the first woman in Maine to be inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers and was elected as a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America’s Trial Lawyer Honorary Society. Melissa also serves on the pro bono panel for the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Program in Portland, Maine.

Practice Areas

Litigation - Labor and Employment

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Labor and Employment, Portland, ME (2026)
Lawyer of the Year: Education Law, Portland, ME (2024)
Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Labor and Employment, Portland, ME (2024)
Lawyer of the Year: Education Law, Portland, ME (2021)
Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Labor and Employment, Portland, ME (2018)
Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Management, Portland, ME (2016)
Lawyer of the Year: Education Law, Portland, ME (2014)
Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Management, Portland, ME (2012)
Recognized: Bet-the-Company Litigation
Recognized: Commercial Litigation
Recognized: Education Law
Recognized: Employment Law - Management
Recognized: Litigation - Labor and Employment
Recognized: Litigation - Municipal
Special Focus: Education
Special Focus: Management

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2003

Education

University of Maine School of Law, J.D., graduated 1987

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Reviews

Helen Jackson

3 weeks ago

Thoughtful, Strategic, and Effective

Melissa Hewey's expertise in education law and employment litigation was instrumental in resolving a complex case for our school district. Her 38 years of experience were immediately apparent in her ability to navigate intricate legal challenges with precision and insight. She demonstrated a deep understanding of both labor law and higher education regulations, ensuring compliance while protecting our institution's interests. Melissa's approach was not only professional but also deeply personal, as she took the time to understand our unique concerns and goals. Her recognition as 'Lawyer of the Year' in these areas speaks volumes, and her ability to deliver a favorable outcome reinforced our trust in her abilities. Whether defending against employment claims or advising on school policy, Melissa's strategic mindset and exceptional service made all the difference. We couldn't have asked for a more skilled or dedicated advocate.

Ryan Sanchez

3 weeks ago

Expert in Employment and Education Law

Melissa Hewey is an exceptional attorney with decades of experience in employment and education law. She handled a complex case involving a higher education institution, demonstrating deep knowledge of both labor regulations and institutional policies. Her strategic approach led to a favorable outcome, and her ability to simplify legal jargon made the process less daunting. While her expertise is unmatched, her response time could occasionally be slower than expected, and her fees are on the higher side. Nonetheless, her professionalism and recognition in the field, such as being named Lawyer of the Year, speak volumes about her capabilities. Highly recommend for employment and education-related legal matters.

David Sanchez

3 weeks ago

Expert Legal Advice and Tireless Advocacy

Melissa Hewey at Drummond Woodsum is nothing short of outstanding. As a school administrator, I faced a complex legal challenge involving higher education compliance and employment law. Melissa’s 38 years of experience proved invaluable. She handled our case with precision, leveraging her expertise in education law and employment disputes to achieve a favorable resolution. Her reputation as a 'Lawyer of the Year' for these very specialties gave me confidence from day one. Beyond her technical skills, Melissa’s professionalism and dedication were evident in every interaction. She explained legal complexities in clear, actionable terms, ensuring we made informed decisions. Her strategic approach and relentless advocacy secured a positive outcome, protecting our institution’s interests. I cannot recommend her highly enough for anyone needing top-tier legal counsel in these areas.

Shirley Martinez

3 weeks ago

Knowledgeable but slow response

Attorney Hewey demonstrated strong expertise in employment and education law, particularly in a complex case involving a school district dispute. Her depth of experience was clear, and the resolution was favorable. However, communication was slow, and I often had to follow up to stay updated. While the outcome was positive, I expected more consistent responsiveness. The recognition she's earned is well-deserved, but I would have appreciated a more proactive approach. Adequate, but could improve on timely updates.

Christine Richardson

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Guidance in a Critical Employment Dispute

Melissa Hewey's exceptional legal expertise was an invaluable asset during a challenging employment dispute. Her 38 years of experience, particularly in litigation and employment matters, shone through as she navigated the complexities of the case with unparalleled professionalism. Her knowledge of school law and higher education law also proved instrumental in understanding my unique situation. I am grateful for her diligent representation, which ultimately led to a favorable resolution that exceeded my expectations. Melissa is truly a lawyer of the year, as recognized in 2024 and 2026, and I wholeheartedly recommend her services.

Raymond Walker

3 weeks ago

Competent but Room for Improvement

Attorney Melissa A. Hewey has a strong background in labor and employment law, as evidenced by her multiple 'Lawyer of the Year' recognitions. I sought her expertise for an employment discrimination case, and while she clearly understood the nuances of the situation, I found her communication slightly inconsistent. There were periods where responses were slow, and I often had to follow up to get updates. The case was resolved favorably, but the process felt slower than expected for someone with her experience. Her knowledge of education law also proved valuable when addressing related aspects of the case. Overall, I appreciate her expertise, but I wish the responsiveness and communication had matched the high standards suggested by her awards.

Paul Thompson

3 weeks ago

Experienced but Inconsistent Communication

Melissa A. Hewey is clearly a knowledgeable attorney with decades of experience in employment and education law. Her expertise in litigation, particularly in labor and employment disputes, is evident from her numerous accolades, including being named Lawyer of the Year multiple times. However, my experience with her was a bit mixed. While she handled my case involving a workplace discrimination claim with a solid understanding of the legal nuances, I found her communication to be inconsistent at times. Responses to my emails or calls were sometimes delayed, which left me feeling uncertain about the progress of my case. Additionally, her availability for meetings was limited, which could have been better managed. Despite these issues, I do believe she is competent and capable, especially when it comes to complex employment law matters. Her extensive background in higher education law also suggests she would be a strong advocate in related disputes. I would recommend her with caution, primarily for clients who can tolerate longer-than-ideal wait times.

Jacob Moore

3 weeks ago

Outstanding Legal Expertise and Personalized Care

Melissa A. Hewey is an exceptional attorney who combines deep expertise with genuine care for her clients. As someone who required legal representation in a complex employment dispute, I was extremely impressed by her thorough understanding of labor and employment law. Her 38 years of experience were evident in her strategic approach and her ability to navigate intricate legal nuances. Melissa’s recognition as a Lawyer of the Year in both education and employment law underscores her standing in the field, and her reputation is well-deserved. Throughout the case, she maintained open communication, ensuring I was well-informed and confident in the process. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication resulted in a favorable outcome. I highly recommend Melissa Hewey for anyone seeking a skilled attorney in insurance defense, school law, or employment matters. She is a true asset to Drummond Woodsum and the Portland legal community.

Jennifer Hill

3 weeks ago

Competent but Could Improve

Attorney Hewey's expertise in employment and education law was evident in how she handled my school district case. She clearly understood the legal nuances and provided sound advice. However, communication could have been more proactive—there were delays in responsiveness at times, and I often had to follow up for updates. While her experience is impressive, I expected more personalized attention, especially given her accolades. Overall, she delivered competent representation, but I hope future clients receive more consistent engagement.

Benjamin King

3 weeks ago

Incredible Legal Advocate for Complex Cases

Melissa Hewey is a legal powerhouse. When our school district faced a high-stakes employment dispute, her deep expertise in education and labor law was exactly what we needed. She not only achieved a favorable settlement but handled the entire process with unmatched professionalism. Her strategic approach and years of experience were evident in every interaction. It’s no surprise she’s been recognized as a top attorney in this field. Highly recommend for anyone in need of a skilled litigator who truly cares about her clients.