Melissa Kelley

Melissa Kelley started her business career as a litigation and claims service manager at USAA, the insurance company with a 100-year commitment to protecting active, separated, and retired military veterans and their families. During her 19-year career with USAA, she learned to evaluate, negotiate, and settle insurance claims presented by or against members. As a result, Melissa developed a passion for the law, wanting to utilize her experience and skills by directly representing individuals.

Melissa therefore left USAA to pursue her law degree where she further explored her passion for the law, to include gaining knowledge and a love for family law and criminal defense. While in law school, she served as managing editor of the Journal for Global Justice and Public Policy and as a student administrator for the James Kent American Inn of Court. She also served a one year internship with the Portsmouth Commonwealth Attorney.

Melissa and her extended family have a long history of service to the U.S. Military. Her husband of 20 years was a Senior Chief in the U.S. Navy, retiring after 26 years of service. Her son served for six years in the U.S. Navy. Her father was a Vietnam War Veteran with six years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and 26 years in the U.S. Army. Her father-in-law is a retired Chief in the Navy with 20 years of service. Her brother-in-law is a retired Command Master Chief with over 30 years of service. Melissa and her family truly know what it means to serve. They deeply understand the sacrifices that our servicemembers and family make every day to support our Country.

Melissa believes not only in advocating for her clients and seeking justice, but to also act as a true counselor to her clients by providing not only legal advice but practical advice as well. Her goal is to provider personal representation, seeking the best outcome of each individual client.