Theresa Melia
OF COUNSEL
Phone:
972-357-6706
972-357-6706
Fax:
212-486-3099
Email:
tmelia@leaderberkon.com
Attorney Info:
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Theresa is an experienced advisor with a robust background in business law and corporate investigations. She specializes in defending executives against breaches of fiduciary duty and securities claims while providing top-tier risk mitigation strategies for corporations. Known for her strategic and results-driven approach, Theresa has successfully handled high-stakes legal matters, establishing a reputation for delivering impactful solutions.
Throughout her career, Theresa has conducted numerous internal investigations and led the world’s largest compliance monitorship. With her deep understanding of compliance issues, Theresa offers invaluable litigation assessment and mitigation strategies, empowering clients to navigate complex legal challenges with confidence and clarity.
Theresa in not only a dedicated legal professional but also a passionate community advocate. She actively engages with the Junior League of Dallas and serves on the board of directors of the International Dyslexia Association, Dallas Branch, championing education for individuals with dyslexia. Her advocacy skills extend to the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center and the annual Dallas County Expunction Expo, alongside providing immigration legal services to refugees through American Gateways. Additionally, she supports women’s advancement in the legal field through Women’s White Collar Defense and fosters mentorship in her role as a barrister of the William “Mac” Taylor Inn of Court.
Business & Commercial Litigation
Theresa has broad experience representing clients in state and federal courts in high-stakes litigation, including securities fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, misappropriation of trade secrets, complex contractual disputes, construction disputes, and health care litigation.
Sampling of current and past matters include
- Defense of executive against claims of misappropriation, breach of fiduciary duty, and violation of non-competition and solicitation agreement
- Defense of directors of multinational billion-dollar company against breach of fiduciary duties
- Defense of accountant against allegations of fraud pursued by trustee in federal bankruptcy court
- Representation of financial institution on security and loan agreements
- Secured numerous multimillion awards for financial institutions on summary judgment
- Represented financial institution involving loan book valued in the eight figures in a management investment enterprise suit
- Defense of financial institution against misleading and deceptive conduct and validity of assignment claims
- Representation of healthcare technology company against health insurance company in relation to defamation and tortious interference claims
- Second-chaired one-week trial and successfully pursued breach of contract claim for high-profile client where no formal contract existed
- Second-chaired arbitration in termination for cause case and defending against breach of contract claims, resulting in confidential multi-million award for developer client
- Representation of law firm in defending against claims for breaches of fiduciary and contractual duties, obtained confidential settlement avoiding media attention
Corporate Investigations and Regulatory Inquiries and Enforcement
Theresa represents executives and corporations facing investigation and enforcement actions from regulatory bodies. Her strategic approach combines an in-depth understanding of the legal landscape with a commitment to protecting clients’ interests, ensuring they receive the best legal counsel during challenging circumstances.
Sampling of current and past matters include
- Member of the leadership team for the largest criminal corporate monitorship in U.S. history
- Defense of directors of multi-billion dollar company against securities enforcement proceedings and shareholder class actions
- Collaborated with international counsel to pursue minority shareholder oppression and derivative actions
- Managed internal investigation on behalf of prominent civil rights organization
- Defended client during multiple government investigations, including responding to congressional inquiries and subpoenas from regulatory agencies
- Advised client on corporate governance, including conducting internal controls and compliance audits
- Managed multinational company’s response to government investigation into environmental practices
- Conducted internal investigation for multinational
- Fortune 100 company, assessed regulatory and compliance issues, and developed risk mitigation strategies
Education
Southern Methodist University
Master of Laws
Monash University
Master of Laws and Legal Practice
University of North Texas
B.A.