Melissa A. Dearing

Melissa A. Dearing

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2020
Awarded Practice Areas
Employment Law - Management Immigration Law Litigation - Labor and Employment
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in Jacksonville.
Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2026 - Employment Law - Management
Melissa A. Dearing
Melissa A. Dearing
Jacksonville, FL
Works at
Rivkin Radler LLP

43 Best Lawyers awards

Rivkin Radler LLP logo

Biography

Melissa A. Dearing is a partner with Rivkin Radler LLP, based in Jacksonville, Florida, and a member of the firm’s Immigration Practice Group. She advises employers on navigating nonimmigrant and immigrant visa processes in support of their workforce needs, with a focus on compliance and strategic planning.

Her practice includes representing employers in Employment Law – Management matters related to workforce mobility, as well as Litigation – Labor and Employment issues that intersect with immigration and compliance obligations. Melissa regularly works with H-1B petitions and the PERM-based permanent residence process, including matters involving information technology professionals, engineers, pharmacists, and other skilled workers.

In addition to employment-based immigration, Melissa assists individuals and families with Immigration Law matters involving family-based petitions. She also counsels employers on I-9 compliance, internal audits, and related regulatory concerns, helping organizations manage risk while meeting federal requirements.

Works at
Rivkin Radler LLP

43 Best Lawyers awards

Rivkin Radler LLP logo

Locations

Education

  • University of Florida, B.A., with honors
  • University of Florida, J.D., with honors, graduated 1998

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

Affiliations

  • Jacksonville Bar Association – Labor & Employment Law Section - Co-Chair
  • Federal Bar Association - Member
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association - Member

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2026 - Employment Law - Management Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2022 - Employment Law - Management
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Employment Law - Management, Jacksonville (2026)
  • Employment Law - Management, Jacksonville (2022)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Immigration Law
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
Awards:
  • Melissa was selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2009-2013)

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