Melanie Franco
About Melanie Franco
Melanie Franco is a lawyer based in Albany, NY and has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America since 2026. Melanie Franco is recognized in the following practice area:
- Albany, New York
- Energy Law
Current Firm: Couch White LLP
Education: Pace University, J.D., graduated 2019
Location: Albany, NY
Nearby Lawyers
Karen Martino Valle is Of Counsel to our firm and focuses her practice on the organization and operation of business and not-for-profit corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies, as well as estate planning and administration, contested estate and trust matters and business succession planning. She advises clients on a wide range of business matters, including transactional matters, mergers and acquisitions, tax planning and commercial leasing and financing, with a specific fo...
Lawrence M. Gordon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Lawrence M., who practices law in Saratoga Springs, New York, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lawrence M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
JEFFREY M. SELCHICK is an attorney and is engaged in the full-time practice of labor arbitration and employment dispute resolution. Serving on labor arbitration panels of the American Arbitration Association and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, as well as the arbitration panels of many local agencies, Mr. Selchick has arbitrated and/or mediated disputes in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Illinois, Virginia, and Ohio. Mr. Selchick is available to travel throu...
Benjamin M. Wilkinson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Benjamin M., who practices law in Albany, New York, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Timothy S. Brennan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Timothy S., who practices law in Albany, New York, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Timothy S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
With nearly three decades of experience in life, property, casualty, and workers compensation insurance matters, Michael J. Murphy is a skilled New York insurance legislative and regulatory attorney. Michael has been involved in many noteworthy insurance matters that have come before the New York State Legislature and the New York State Department of Financial Services, including most recently, ride sharing, climate change, and cybersecurity. Michael represents a number of national property c...
Brian Goldstein focuses his practice in the areas of executive compensation, employee benefits, and ERISA fiduciary counseling. He is a founding member of the firm’s ESOP class action practice. For over 30 years, Brian has assisted clients with the design and implementation of all types of pension, profit sharing, 401(k), employee stock ownership, stock-based compensation, nonqualified deferred compensation and tax-sheltered annuity plans. His practice has a particular concentration on ...
Jennifer S. Powers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Jennifer S., who practices law in Saratoga Springs, New York, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Michael J. Hutter is a Professor of Law at Albany Law School of Union University, where he has been a member of the faculty since 1976. He is also Special Counsel to the Albany law firm of Powers & Santola, LLP. Professor Hutter is an honors graduate of Brown University and Boston College Law School. In law school, he was the Editor-In-Chief of Boston College’s law review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. After graduation, Professor Hutter served as law clerk to Judge Matthe...
Tricia A. Asaro is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law and Insurance Law. Tricia A., who practices law in Albany, New York, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tricia A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.