Biography
Melissa Roeder, Of Counsel at Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska’s Seattle office, is a high heel wearing, motorcycle riding, trial attorney. She is the chair of the firm's cannabis practice group and delivers effective and practical solutions in the fields of cannabis/marijuana law, asbestos, benzene and toxic torts, along with sexual abuse matters.
Before becoming a lawyer, Melissa worked as a Alaska commercial fisherman and grew-up on the family farm in a town of 500 people in southwest Minnesota. These experiences shaped Melissa’s character, work ethic and grit from childhood forward.
Career achievements include being selected as one of the Top 100 Women Lawyers in Washington State, a “Super Lawyer" since 2012, a “Rising Star" from 2008-2011 and the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL) Outstanding Litigation Associate in 2008.
Publications and Presentations
"Cannabis 101: The Growth of the Industry and Future Predictions." Claims and Litigation Management Alliance CLE Webinar. (2021)
"Cannabis Law", The Art of Adjusting. Vlog. (2021)
Cannabis, Arkansas Defense Bar. (2021)
"Cannabis It's Growing Like a Weed!" Insurance Accounting and Systems Association CE Webinar. (2021)
"Vaping Liability and Litigation" Defense Research Institute Seminar. Presentation (2021)
"Cannabis Insurance: The Blossoming Weed," Casualty Actuarial Society. Presentation. (2020)
“Product Liability Issues Facing Growing Cannabis Industry" Claims and Litigation Management Alliance. Cannabis, Environmental, Insurance Fraud, Property, Subrogation, Claims & Litigation Conference. Presentation. (2020)
Chair, Marijuana Seminar, Defense Research Institute. (2018)
Chair, Marijuana Seminar, Defense Research Institute (2019)
“Toxicology: What Is It and How Do You Utilize a Toxicologist on the Stand," Marijuana Seminar, Defense Research Institute (2018)
“Cannabis Product Liability Litigation: How to Prepare and Defend Cases," Louisiana Defense Bar (2018)
Vice Chair, Marijuana Seminar, Defense Research Institute (2017)
Vice Chair, Defense Research Institute Annual Convention Committee (2017)
Notable Cases and Trials
Melissa has tried over a dozen asbestos/toxic tort matters in Washington and Oregon. The most notable trial was a defense verdict from a five-week trial in King County (Seattle) Washington involving dual plantiffs (husband and wife) both suffering from mesothelioma. A double defense verdict was reached within one and a half days even with both plantiffs being brought into the courtroom on stretchers with their entire health care teams.
Law School
- Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., cum laude
Undergraduate/Other Education
- South Dakota State University
B.S., Political Science and English
Admissions
- Oregon
- Washington
- United States District Court, Western District of Washington
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Washington
Professional Memberships
- Defense Research Institute (DRI) - Formerly served on the Board of Directors
- Federation of Defense and Corporation Counsel (FDCC) - Philanthropic Committee
- The Claims Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)
- Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL) - former President and former DRI State Rep.
- Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) - Co-Chair, Cannabis Section, Litigation
- Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA)
Awards
- Washington Super Lawyers: Cannabis Law 2023
- Washington Defense Trial Lawyers 2020 — Community Leadership Award
- Washington Super Lawyers®, 2012-2019
- DRI Rudolph Janata Award for Best State and Local Defense Organization, 2016
- Top 50 Women Attorneys, Washington Law & Politics, 2014
- Washington Rising Stars®, 2007-2011
- Washington Law & Politics “Outstanding Litigation Associate” by WDTL, 2008
Areas of Expertise
