Daniel, Terri

MELANIE EMMONS DAMIAN represents public and private companies and individuals in a variety of complex business and securities litigation. Ms. Damian regularly serves as a Court appointed Receiver and Distribution Agent in Securities matters and state court matters, as well as, serving as counsel to Receivers serving in both state and federal court (for a more extensive look at past representation and service click on the "Experience" tab). Ms Damian counsels companies on corporate governance matters and served as counsel to special litigation committees performing internal investigations in response to shareholder derivative demands. She also represents officers and directors in corporate and securities litigation matters.

Ms. Damian represents a number of local and national developers in real estate and brokerage disputes and has represented national law firms in a variety of legal malpractice matters, including those involving allegations of malpractice in connection with failed advocacy, failed transactions, and the failure of financial institutions.

Ms. Damian also has substantial experience advising executives on contractual and compensation matters and litigating executive and general employment matters, including representation and counseling on behalf of national and local companies in discrimination and harassment claims including Title VII (sex, race, national, origin, religion, and retaliation); ADEA (age), ADA (disability), FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act), FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act), Section 1981, and the Florida Civil Rights Act. She also has experience in counseling clients and litigating issues concerning various employment related issues, non-competition agreements, theft of trade secrets, hiring and firing policies, employment agreements, and employment manuals.

Ms. Damian has received several professional acknowledgements. Most recently, she was listed as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in the state of Florida by Florida Super Lawyers magazine. Ms. Damian has also been included in Florida Trend's Legal Elite and the South Florida Legal Guide since 2004.

Ms. Damian is active in child advocacy and is a founder of the non-profit Educate Tomorrow. Ms. Damian currently serves as Chair of the Florida Bar Business Law Section's Pro Bono Committee. Ms. Damian received numerous awards for her service including: The pro bono award in 2001 for child advocacy from the Miami-Dade County Bar Association and Eleventh Judicial Circuit; The 2005 Florida Bar Association Young Lawyer Division Pro Bono Award; The Lawyers For Children 2005 John Edward Smith Award; 2006 Junior League of Miami, Inc. "Woman Who Make a Difference" award; "2007 Pepsi Everyday Freedom Hero Award" and "The Florida Bar President's 2008 Pro Bono Service Award.