Melissa A. Schilling
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Litigation - Labor and Employment
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Melissa Schilling represents public and private sector employers in labor and employment matters. In that role, she has successfully represented clients in state and federal cases involving a broad range of labor and employment laws, including Title VII, the American with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Melissa also has extensive experience investigating and handling matters filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) and related federal and state agencies. Her work before these agencies includes assisting clients at the early charge stage, during governmental investigations, and throughout any subsequent litigation.In addition to her litigation experience, Melissa has experience counseling employers on a wide range of labor and employment issues, including cyber security issues, discrimination, harassment, FMLA and medical issues in the workplace, technology issues, and discipline matters. In her counseling practice, she takes a proactive approach to responding and resolving various employment issues and assists her clients in establishing policies and procedures necessary to comply with the ever-changing law.In addition to labor and employment law, Melissa represents real estate companies, condominium associations, and homeowner associations before the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Melissa’s practice also includes representing real estate companies, banks, and insurance companies in commercial litigation.As part of her proactive approach to helping clients, Melissa also regularly conducts training for employers on a wide range of employment matters, including prevention of discrimination and harassment, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Family Medical Leave Act, hiring and recruitment practices, cybersecurity risks and strategies, discipline, supervisor best practices, and appropriate investigation techniques.Prior to joining Dickinson law, Melissa Schilling practiced labor and employment law with a Chicago law firm, where she represented primarily municipal employers in state and federal litigation, grievance arbitration, and matters pending before the Illinois Labor Relations Board. Her work before these agencies includes assisting clients at the early charge stage, during governmental investigations, and throughout any subsequent litigation. In addition to her litigation experience, Melissa has experience counseling employers on a wide range of labor and employment issues, including cyber security issues, discrimination, harassment, FMLA and medical issues in the workplace, technology issues, and discipline matters. In her counseling practice, she takes a proactive approach to responding and resolving various employment issues and assists her clients in establishing policies and procedures necessary to comply with the ever-changing law. In addition to labor and employment law, Melissa represents real estate companies, condominium associations, and homeowner associations before the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Melissa’s practice also includes representing real estate companies, banks, and insurance companies in commercial litigation. As part of her proactive approach to helping clients, Melissa also regularly conducts training for employers on a wide range of employment matters, including prevention of discrimination and harassment, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Family Medical Leave Act, hiring and recruitment practices, cybersecurity risks and strategies, discipline, supervisor best practices, and appropriate investigation techniques. Prior to joining Dickinson law, Melissa Schilling practiced labor and employment law with a Chicago law firm, where she represented primarily municipal employers in state and federal litigation, grievance arbitration, and matters pending before the Illinois Labor Relations Board.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2021
Emily Cook
When our school district faced a complex, high-stakes wrongful termination lawsuit from a former administrator, the situation felt overwhelming. We needed counsel who understood both the intricate legal landscape and the unique pressures of the public education sector. From our first consultation, Melissa Schilling demonstrated why she is so highly regarded. Her deep knowledge, honed over fifteen years specializing in labor and employment law, was immediately evident. She meticulously dissected the plaintiff's claims, guiding our board through every nuance of state and federal employment regulations with remarkable clarity. Melissa’s strategic foresight was invaluable; she anticipated opposing counsel's moves and prepared airtight defenses, which ultimately led to a decisive summary judgment in our favor. Her recognition as a Lawyer of the Year in Litigation is clearly well-earned. Beyond her formidable expertise, Melissa’s professionalism and calm demeanor provided steady reassurance throughout the entire stressful process. She is a true advocate who combines the rigorous analytical skills from her Creighton University legal training with practical, results-oriented strategy. Dickinson, Bradshaw is fortunate to have her, and any employer facing litigation would be wise to seek her counsel.
Litigation - Labor and Employment