Melanie is a shareholder in the Casualty Department, where she defends insured and self-insured entities against claims in state and federal court. She focuses her practice on litigation related to product liability, premises and municipal liability, and commercial transportation. Melanie has served as lead trial counsel and as second chair in multiple civil litigations. Melanie is also responsible for taking depositions, making oral arguments before the Court, and drafting pleadings and motions, having successfully obtained final adjudication via the summary judgment phase.
Prior to joining the firm, Melanie served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Annette M. Rizzo in the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Court of Common Pleas. During her tenure, Melanie drafted judicial opinions and conducted pre-trial conferences by mediating between parties to settle cases and ensure cases were trial-ready.
Melanie is heavily involved in the Philadelphia legal community. She is a Board member of Community Legal Services (CLS), and also co-chairs its Leadership Council and Board Development Committee. Melanie is the Founder and Chair of Justice Rising, a young professionals organization associated with CLS that is dedicated to access to justice for all. She is a member of the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association, and also sits on the Large Firm Associates’ Committee. She serves as the President of the Temple American Inn of Court.
Melanie also volunteers her time with the women’s collective giving organization, Impact100 Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Alumni Interview Program, serving as Co-Chair of the Philadelphia region’s interviewing of prospective undergraduates.
Melanie is a two-time graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, earning her Bachelor of Arts in 2008 summa cum laude and her juris doctor in 2013. She is barred in Pennsylvania and New York.
Honors & Awards
•The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants; Transportation Law (2021-2025)
•Craig M. Perry Service Award, Philadelphia Bar Association (2019)
•Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star (2023-2024)
•Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2026)
Published Works
•'Do a World of Good,' The Philadelphia Lawyer, special pro bono issue, May 2024
•'Conflicting Opinions on Personal Injury Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations Linger in Pa.,' The Legal Intelligencer, Personal Injury Supplement, November 2020
•'The Fight to Stop Predatory Lending in Pennsylvania,' co-author, The Legal Intelligencer, October 24, 2019
•'Endless Statute of Limitations For Uninsured Motorist Claims In Pennsylvania?,' Defense Digest, Vol. 24, No. 1, March 2018
•'Young Professionals and Community Legal Services Partner Up,' co-author, The Legal Intelligencer, January 24, 2017
•'When Targeted Killing Is Not Permissible: An Evaluation of Targeted Killing Under the Laws of War and Morality,' University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law, January 2013
Classes/Seminars Taught
•Negligence 101 - A Pennsylvania and Florida Legal Overview, Marshall Dennehey Client Presentation, December 15, 2020
Pro Bono Activities
•Community Legal Services Leadership Council
•Justice Rising, Founder and Chair, Philadelphia, PA
Results
Successfully Defended SEPTA in a Wrongful Death and Survival Case
We successfully defended the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in a wrongful death and survival case in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. The case involved the death of a pedestrian, Vincent Boykin, struck by a SEPTA bus, with the plaintiff, his father, disputing the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s suicide ruling. The defense presented a forensic psychiatrist’s testimony confirming Mr. Boykin’s high suicide risk. Although SEPTA was found 40% negligent, the decedent’s 60% negligence barred recovery of damages.
Defense Verdict for Public Transportation System in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas
We obtained a defense verdict on behalf of a public transportation system in a Wrongful Death and Survival case in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. The case involved the death of a pedestrian, struck by a bus, with the plaintiff, his father, disputing the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's suicide ruling. The defense presented a forensic psychiatrist's testimony confirming the deceased’s high suicide risk. Although the transportation system was found 40% negligent, the decedent's 60% negligence barred recovery of damages. The claim was further limited by statutory caps applicable to Commonwealth entities.
News
Marshall Dennehey Announces 2026 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Honorees
May 22, 2026
Community Partnership with Dr. Ethel Allen Promise Academy
March 27, 2026
