Melissa Carleton
About Melissa Carleton
Melissa Carleton is a lawyer based in Columbus, OH and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2025. Melissa Carleton is recognized in the following practice area:
- Columbus, Ohio
- Education Law
Current Firm: Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP
Education: University of Pennsylvania, J.D., graduated 2009
Location: Columbus, OH
Nearby Lawyers
David A. Riepenhoff is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. David A., who practices law in New Albany, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Dino Tsibouris is the founding principal of the law firm Tsibouris & Associates, LLC. His practice concentrates in the areas of electronic commerce, online financial services, software licensing, Software-as-a Service ("SaaS"), and privacy law. In addition, Mr. Tsibouris' practice includes the implementation of electronic signatures, records management and information security. He was previously an attorney with Thompson Hine LLP and a Vice President and Counsel for e-Commerce and Technol...
Paul Garinger is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Paul, who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Mathew may not be one of those table-pounding attorneys, but make no mistake, he is a fierce litigator. His ability to speak calmly and reasonably as well as to ask questions and actually listen to the answers makes him an especially strong negotiator and effective in advocating for his clients’ best interests. Mathew’s employment law practice is multidimensional. He defends employers against a wide range of employment claims ranging from unlawful discrimination, harassment and re...
David J. Butler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. David J., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Joseph M. Patchen is a Partner at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP, representing businesses, financial institutions, owners, and professionals in business and real estate matters. His business law practice emphasizes corporation and limited liability company formation, mergers, and succession planning. His commercial real estate representation focuses on finance, construction, leasing, and acquisition. Joe joined CPM in June 1987. He serves as Chair of CPM’s Real Estate Practice Group.
Janica Pierce Tucker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Education Law, Employment Law - Individuals, Employment Law - Management, Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Janica Pierce, who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Janica Pierce is held by other top lawyers...
Dustin Blake is one of Ohio’s premier criminal defense attorneys and trial lawyers. Mr. Blake represents individuals and professionals charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes (i.e. DUI / OVI, drug crimes, federal crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes, etc.). Mr. Blake has a track record of obtaining superior results for clients prior to Trial. Dustin Blake also has a track record of obtaining Not-Guilty Verdicts for clients at Trial.
Former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery is Of Counsel to Mac Murray & Shuster, focusing her practice on helping clients understand and meet their regulatory compliance obligations and representing them before state regulators across the country. Betty previously served for twenty-six years in the following elected positions: Ohio Auditor of State (2003-07); Ohio Attorney General (1995-03); State Senator for District 2 (1989-95); and Wood County Prosecuting Attorney (1981-89). Betty&...
Pursuant to a merger with the firm in which he was a principal since 1985, Alan has been a Partner at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP since 2015. He primarily works with closely held and family businesses of all types and the individuals and families who own those businesses. Alan’s practice areas cover a broad range of business and personal matters, including – tax-exempt nonprofits; real estate; estate planning and estate & trust administration; planning, structuring, and f...
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.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
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.
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.
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