Melissa R. Gillis - Springfield, MA

Overview

Awards and Honors

Education

• Legal Education

  • Quinnipiac University School of Law, Connecticut, 2000
    J.D.
    Honors: Distinguished Academic Achievement Award in Bankruptcy, 2000
    Honors: Distinguished Academic Achievement Award in Representing Clients, 2000
    Honors: Excellence in Clinical Workaround Award, 2000
    Honors: Tax Litigation Award, 2000

• Non Legal Education

  • Elms College, 1996
    B.A.

Current Employment Position(s)

• Shareholder

Classes and Seminars

• Contributor, Family Law Bits
  
• “Health Insurance as a Post-Divorce Issue, ” Family Law Bits
  
• “Paying Child Support While Receiving SSDI,” Family Law Bits
  
• “Separation Agreements: The Significance of Legalese...” Family Law Bits

Pro Bono Activities

• Volunteer, Walk for Autism
• Member, Smart Start Preschool Parent Activity Board
• Human Rights Committee, The Association for Community Living, Member, 2009 - 2014
• Women's Business Owners Alliance of Pioneer Valley, Member, 2009 - Present
• Women's Partnership - Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc., Member, 2009 - Present
• Daisy Girl Scout Troop 557, Girl Scouts of America, Founder and Leader, 2008 - Present

Published Works

Articles

• It’s that Time of Year Again: Careful Review, Renegotiation of Your Child’s IEP is Critical, Healthcare News, March 1, 2014
  
• Is This the Time to Fight? When Divorce Is Complicated by Serious Medical Concerns, August 1, 2013
  
• Custody of a Special-needs Child: Sometimes, It’s Better to Focus on Quality Parent Time, Not Quantity, April 1, 2013
  
• Oh Dear, College is Here! - How can I get my Ex to Help Pay?, August 27, 2012
  
• Insurance and Autistic Children: Update to ARICA Is Changing the Picture for Many Families, April 1, 2012
  
• A Time for Change: Measure Reforming Alimony Is Certainly History in the Making, March 12, 2012
• Transitional Planning in Special Ed: Start Early When Determining and Preparing for Life After School, December 1, 2011
• For Good Measure Autism Insurance Legislation: What It Means for Your Child, August 1, 2011
• Special Education What Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s IEP, March 1, 2011
• Developmental Delay or Disability? Making Early Identification of Your Child’s Special Needs, January 31, 2011
• Special-education Assessment and the IEP - A Chance for You to Advocate for Your Child, July 10, 2010
• Ten reasons to hire a lawyer for domestic-relations proceedings, April 27, 2009
• Lecturer, Rebuilding Support Group, Southwick, MA, February, 2014

Bar Admissions

• Massachusetts, 2002
• U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts
• U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit

Other Affiliations

• Hampden County Bar Association
• Massachusetts Bar Association
• Real Estate Bar Association - Past Member
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts Notary Public
• Senior Partners for Justice Pro Bono Alliance - Past Member (Member)
• Civility Standards sub-committee, Hampden County Bar - Past Member (Member)
• Magistrate Protocol sub-committee, Hampden County Bar - Past Member (Member)
• Court Conciliation Program, Hampden County Bar (Member)
• Past Volunteer, Dial-A-Lawyer, 2008