Mike F. Melis

Overview

With over 25 years of experience representing higher education institutions, government agencies, and private sector clients, Mike Melis has established himself as a trusted strategic advisor on critical, complex, and sensitive legal challenges. Mike’s practice is defined by his ability to navigate the unique pressures facing organizations where legal, political, and reputational considerations intersect. Mike brings both seasoned judgment and a nuanced understanding of the environments in which his clients operate.

As co-chair of the Higher Education practice group, Mike’s skills in representing institutions of higher education are particularly comprehensive. He has extensive experience advising and defending governing boards and senior leadership across a wide spectrum of issues, including employment and personnel matters, governance, civil rights and constitutional law, tort claims, contract negotiations, student discipline proceedings, and compliance with Title VI and Title IX. Based on his experience in higher education, Mike has developed an appreciation for the institutional missions, cultures, and constraints that shape decision-making in academic settings. This perspective enables Mike to provide guidance that is both legally sound and operationally feasible.

Mike’s approach to advising clients emphasizes practical, result-oriented problem solving. He partners closely with clients to develop innovative solutions designed to avoid litigation where possible and to minimize cost and disruption when disputes arise. His philosophy is rooted in prevention and early intervention—identifying risks before they escalate and positioning institutions to respond effectively when challenges emerge. Clients value his ability to balance legal rigor with strategic pragmatism, ensuring that legal advice serves their broader organizational goals.

Before joining O’Hagan Meyer, Mike served as Higher Education Section Chief in the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, where he led a team providing daily legal advice and handling complex legal matters for the Commonwealth’s public colleges and universities. Prior to that role, he served as Senior Assistant Attorney General and General Counsel to Virginia Commonwealth University, providing daily counsel on the full range of legal issues facing a major research institution. Mike began his career at the Office of the Attorney General as an Assistant Attorney General in the Trial Section, representing Virginia state agencies in state and federal courts, both at the trial and appellate levels.  These experiences have given Mike rare insight into the internal workings of higher education and government, informing every aspect of his current practice.

Experience

• Commonwealth v. Peterson, 286 Va. 349, 749 S.E.2d 307 (2013)
• Imaginary Images, Inc. v. Evans, 612 F.3d 736 (4th Cir. 2010)
• Smith v. Va. Military Inst., 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 52900 (W.D. Va. 2010)
• Inst. of Autism v. Va. Dep’t of Educ., 537 F.Supp. 2d 187 (E.D. Va. 2008)
• Asplundh Tree Expert Co. v. Pac. Emplrs. Ins. Co., 269 Va. 399, 611 S.E.2d 531 (2005)
• Anderson v. Dillow, 262 Va. 797, 553 S.E.2d 526 (2001)

Professional

• Member, National Association of College and University Attorneys
• Member, Virginia Bar Association
• Member, Richmond Bar Association