Melissa J. Kathan

Melissa is an Associate in the Labor and Employment practice where she represents management on all aspects of labor and employment law.

Her practice includes federal and state employment discrimination, wage and hour issues, workplace policies, discipline and discharge, union avoidance, and unemployment insurance issues. She has assisted clients in cases involving the New York State Department of Labor, the New York State Division of Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, and the Public Employment Relations Board.

Melissa also counsels school districts on a range of legal challenges such as special education litigation, student disciplinary matters, labor and employment relations matters, and the development and implementation of school district policies.

Prior to joining Hodgson Russ, Melissa completed internships with the U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit (for the Hon. Richard C. Wesley), SAG-AFTRA and the Erie County District Attorney's Office. She was also a law clerk with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York.

• Student Commencement Speaker at the University at Buffalo School of Law 2019 Commencement
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Former Associate, Buffalo Law Review
• Participant, University at Buffalo School of Law New York City Finance & Law Program
• Kent Faculty Research Scholar
• Former Vice President for the Student Assembly of the State University of New York
• Former Member of the University at Buffalo Council
• Provost Scholar

• Former Student Attorney for the University at Buffalo School of Law Health Justice Clinic at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center