Commercial litigation and appellate representation with unique strategy perspective
Melanie Kalmanson focuses on commercial litigation, representing businesses and individuals in all phases of litigation in state and federal court. She represents local and national lenders, loan servicers, contractors and other sophisticated parties in a variety of disputes, including:
- Loan enforcement actions
- Real estate disputes
- Contract disputes
- Franchise matters
- Motor vehicle-related matters
- Construction matters
- Tort actions
As a former Florida Supreme Court law clerk, Melanie has a familiarity with the Florida Supreme Court’s jurisdiction that gives her an invaluable understanding of the appellate process and a unique perspective on strategies to best assist clients. She takes a pragmatic approach toward every dispute to obtain the best available outcomes while managing risk efficiently and effectively.
Melanie is vice chair of the Real Estate and Construction Litigation Subgroup.
Experience in Action
- Advising on construction disputes, including construction liens, contract disputes and construction defect litigation.
- Representing financial institutions and loan servicers in matters at both the trial and appellate levels, including foreclosure disputes and loan enforcement actions in state and federal court.
- Representing motor vehicle manufacturers in franchise-related matters.
Successes
- Represented a limited partnership and current partner against a former partner and manager for breach of fiduciary duty, conversion and money lent, and defended claims to rescind and expand terms of a buy-out agreement.
- Represented national manufacturer of recreational vehicles in state and federal court against claims arising under the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act, including enforcement of forum selection clauses.
Capabilities
Professional Recognitions
- Best Lawyers in America® "Ones to Watch" (2022, 2023, 2024: Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation)
- Florida Super Lawyers® "Rising Stars" (2023: Business Litigation)
Professional & Civic Activities
- ABA Death Penalty Representation Project, Steering Committee member
- Franchise Law Journal, topic and article editor
- FSU College of Law Raising the Bar Professionalism Program, Alumni Advisory board member
- Eleventh Circuit Historical Society, member
- Hillsborough County Bar Association, member
- Florida Supreme Court Historical Society, board of trustees (2019-2023)
- Executive Committee, secretary
- Publications Committee, chair (2019-2022)
- Chester Bedell American Inn of Court, member (2021-2022)
- First District Court of Appeal Inn of Court, alumni member
- Legal Aid Foundation of Tallahassee Thunderdome Class 6
News & Insights
Education
- Florida State University College of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2016)
- Executive Editor, Florida State University Law Review
- Order of the Coif
- Florida State University (B.S., cum laude, 2013)
Bar Admissions
- District of Columbia
- Florida
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida