Meleah Skillern

Partner

Meleah.Skillern@lewisbrisbois.com

Meleah Skillern is a partner in the Akron office of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the Complex Business and Commercial Litigation Practice.

Meleah is a courtroom lawyer for business entities. Meleah handles a wide range of business disputes that have been filed in court or heading in that direction – fraud, business interference, contract disputes, breach of fiduciary duties, civil conspiracy, unfair competition, shareholder rights and derivative actions, amongst others. Meleah enjoys the courtroom but recognizes that clients often prefer to resolve disputes before litigation is necessary. Meleah has successfully negotiated settlements and achieved positive results for her clients outside of the courtroom, allowing them to get back to running their business without the stress and expense of litigation.

In addition to representing business clients, Meleah is an active and connected member of her community. Meleah speaks regularly to students and young professionals about the practice of law, business, and professionalism.

Primary Area(s) of Practice

  • Complex Business & Commercial Litigation

Admissions

Ohio

Ohio Supreme Court; United States District Court, Northern Distict of Ohio; all Ohio state courts.

Associations

  • Akron Bar Association, Commission on Judicial Candidates (2023)
  • Stark County Bar Association
  • Akron Bar Association
  • Norman S. Minor Bar Association (Cleveland)
  • Summit County Public Defender’s Commission — Active member, September 2020-present
  • Honorable Judge Ira G. Turpin Scholarship Award Committee - Active Member, 2018-present
  • Canton Museum of Art Board of Trustees - Active Member, 2017-present

Awards & Honors

  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America® 2023 — Commercial Litigation
  • "Ones to Watch," Commercial Litigation, Best Lawyers, 2022-2024
  • Stark County Contemporary Trailblazer Award - 2019
  • Greater Akron Chamber 30 for the Future Award Recipient - 2018
  • Leadership Akron, Community Leadership Institute - Spring 2017 Graduate

Education

The University of Akron School of Law – Akron, OH

Juris Doctor, May 2016

  • Black Law Students Association
  • Akron Law Trial Team
  • Certifications & Awards: General Mediation, Outstanding Oralist Award

Ohio University – Athens, OH

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, May 2013

  • Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
  • Ohio University Recruiting Society; Multi-Cultural Recruitment
  • Campus-wide community service: Duel for the Schools Coordinator