Honors and Awards:

• Washington Law and Politice Rising Star 2007, 2008 and 2009; Washington Defense Trial Lawyer Outstanding Associate 2008, 2007

Bar/Professional Activity:

• King County Bar Association Membership and Benefits Committee Washington Defense Trial Lawyers - Chair Toxic Tort Section, 2008-Present - Trustee, 2008-Present, 2008

Pro bono/Community Service:

• Recognized by King County Bar Association for 50 hours of donated services., 2004

Scholarly Lectures and Writings:

• Lectures, Seminars and Publications:Organizer:  "Fiber Potency and Mesothelioma," WDTL (2008)Presenter:  "How to Pick a Jury," WDTL (2008)Organizer:  "Asbestos Pathology, Epidemiology and Industrial Hygiene Expert Panel," Forsberg & Umlauf (2007)Organizer:  "WDTL, Asbestos Law Update," WDTL (2007)Presenter:  " Taking and Defending Effective Depositions in Washington," Lorman (2007)Presenter:  " The Art of Settlement," National Business Institute (NBI) (2007)Presenter:  "Asbestos Brown Bag CLE:  Nuts and Bolts of Washington State Asbestos Law," Forsberg & Umlauf (2007)Presenter:  " Legal Writing and Analysis Workshop for Paralegals:  Brief Writing," National Business Institute (NBI) (2007)Presenter:  " The History and Current Status of Multi-District Litigation (MDL)," Washington State Paralegal Association (WSPA) (2006)Organizer:  "Review of Radiology and ILO Forms," Forsberg & Umlauf (2006)Organizer:  "Asbestos Trial 101:  Exhibits, Voir Dire, Opening Statements and Closing Arguments," Forsberg & Umlauf (2006)Author:  "To Whom the Bell Tolls: Analysis of Clare v. Saberhagen Discovery Rule," WDTL Defense News (2006) , Speaker and Organizer, 2006

Representative Clients:

• Forsberg & Umlauf attorneys have represented manufacturers, distributors, premises owners, and contractors in the defense of asbestos personal injury litigation. Asbestos venues we are familiar with include navy ships, naval and private shipyards, pulp and paper mills, refineries, Hanford nuclear reservation, commercial sites and residential construction. We currently represent clients with the following products: ValvesClutchesAxle AssembliesFlooring ProductsBrakesTransmissions• Joint CompoundGasketsElectrical ProductsHydraulic ComponentsDryer FeltsBoiler Assembly• Aircraft Components

Other Outstanding Achievements:

• Melissa was recognized by the WDTL and was selected as Outstanding Litigation Associate for 2008.  The Outstanding Litigation Associate Award highlights attorneys practicing under eight years who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement., 2008

Newsletters:

• Forsberg & Umlauf keeps its clients and their carriers apprised of recent asbestos-related news through its Asbestos E-Lerts. Asbestos E-Lerts include analysis of recent Washington Supreme and Appellate Court decisions, also significant trial court rulings and asbestos trial verdicts or settlements., Forsberg & Umlauf Asbestos E-Lert

Educational Background:

• Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2000     - Law Review Symposium Editor     - Winner of the American Bar Association, Law Student Division, National Appellate Advocacy Competition; South Dakota State University, B.S., 1993