Melissa G. Steward

About

Melissa’s practice focuses primarily on civil litigation in state and federal court, including commercial litigation, business law, creditors’ rights, real estate and employment matters.

Prior to joining the firm, Melissa served as assistant legal counsel at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, where she also gained experience in a variety of conservation and natural resources matters, as well as an understanding of state government legislative and procurement procedures.

Education:

• Southern Illinois University School of Law, J.D. –2006
  • Journal of Legal Medicine
    • Staff Member 2004-2005
    • Associate Commentary Editor 2005-2006
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A. –2003
  • Political Science

Admissions to Practice:

• Illinois, 2006
• U.S. District Court
  • Central District of Illinois, 2008

Previous Professional Experience:

• Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Assistant Legal Counsel, 2006-2008

Professional Associations:

• Illinois State Bar Association, Member
  • Served on Labor and Employment Law Section Council, 2009-2010
• Sangamon County Bar Association, Member
• Central Illinois Women’s Bar Association
  • Member, 2007-present
  • Treasurer, 2008-2009
  • President, 2009-2010

Civic Participation and Awards:

• Boy Scouts of America, Abraham Lincoln Council
  • Law Explorer Post #1 Advisor, 2007-present
• Leadership Springfield
  • 2010 graduate
• Springfield Business Journal
  • “Forty Under 40” Award, 2009
• Springfield Road Runners Club, Member

Publications:

• Electronic Medical Records: Privacy, Confidentiality, Liability, 26 J. Legal Med. 491 (2005)