Atty. Melissa Harclerode

Atty. Melissa Harclerode

Melissa Harclerode is a member of Kirkland & Ellis‘ Employment and Labor Practice Group and is based in the Firm's Washington, D.C., office. Melissa has comprehensive experience advising clients on labor and employment matters in the context of complex national and international corporate transactions, including conducting acquisition-related due diligence and risk assessment and assisting clients with post-acquisition and restructuring-related issues.

Call (202) 887-1500

Profile Summary

About Melissa Harclerode at a glance

Melissa Harclerode is a employment attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Morrison Foerster. Educated at University of Virginia (J.D., 2013). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Melissa Harclerode is a member of Kirkland & Ellis‘ Employment and Labor Practice Group and is based in the Firm's Washington, D.C., office
  • Melissa has comprehensive experience advising clients on labor and employment matters in the context of complex national and international corporate transactions, including conducting acquisition-related due diligence and risk assessment and assisting clients with post-acquisition and restructuring-related issues
  • Melissa also counsels employers on issues relating to federal, state, and local employment and labor laws, including representing employers in litigation, arbitration, and administrative agency proceedings (both actions brought forth by government agencies as well as current and former employees)
  • Additionally, Melissa assists clients with negotiating and drafting complex employment-related agreements and corporate policies

Practice Areas Explained

Melissa Harclerode's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Melissa Harclerode handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Melissa Harclerode is one of 151,622 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Melissa Harclerode

Where is Melissa Harclerode's law office located?
Melissa Harclerode's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Morrison Foerster. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Melissa Harclerode handle?
Melissa Harclerode focuses on employment. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
Where did Melissa Harclerode go to law school?
Melissa Harclerode earned their education at (J.D., 2013).
How can I contact Melissa Harclerode for a consultation?
You can contact Melissa Harclerode directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Melissa Harclerode received?
Melissa Harclerode's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law.

Education

J.D.
University of Virginia
- 2013

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
- 2026

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