Melissa M. Carvalho

Counsel

New York
T +1.212.589.4289
F +1.212.589.4201

Overview

Melissa Carvalho is a skilled trial lawyer in New York state and federal courts. She represents and advises clients in a broad range of diverse industries including real estate, financial services, entertainment and media, and retail and consumer products. Her experience has led to a developed understanding of the nuances of litigation, enabling Melissa to effectively represent clients, both at trial as well as in arbitration, mediation and during general negotiations and settlements. With particular skill in alternative dispute resolution, Melissa is sensitive to clients' needs and resolves matters effectively and efficiently.

In addition to her litigation practice, Melissa also represents and advises corporate boards and company management on a wide range of corporate governance matters and issues, including the creation and implementation of compliance programs, director responsibilities and duties, the business judgment rule and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Melissa represents clients in connection with internal, governmental and regulatory investigations, including those before the SEC and FINRA. As a fluent Portuguese speaker, she has been involved in a number of matters in and involving Europe and Brazil.

Select Experience

  • Obtained victory and a multimillion-dollar award at a jury trial for a global consulting firm that lost senior professionals due to competitor’s disregard of contractual noncompete and nonsolicitation covenants and related business torts.
  • Obtained victory for company in AAA arbitration against investment firm for wrongdoing including fraudulent misrepresentations and breach of fiduciary duties.
  • Represented commercial lender in a litigation brought by a borrower and obtained complete dismissal of the action at the outset of the litigation.
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Experience

  • Obtained victory and a multimillion-dollar award at a jury trial for a global consulting firm that lost senior professionals due to competitor’s disregard of contractual noncompete and nonsolicitation covenants and related business torts.
  • Obtained victory for company in AAA arbitration against investment firm for wrongdoing including fraudulent misrepresentations and breach of fiduciary duties.
  • Represented commercial lender in a litigation brought by a borrower and obtained complete dismissal of the action at the outset of the litigation.
  • Obtained multiple victories for private fund engaged in providing asset-based commercial loans at both the trial and appellate level against various applications for injunctive relief seeking to enjoin foreclosure.
  • Represented two Fortune 500 companies in actions relating to products sold in Brazil. Both matters resolved favorably for the clients.
  • Represented concert producers in their pursuit of unauthorized re-sale of tickets. Successfully targeted and prevented unauthorized ticket sales from multiple websites.
  • Represented condominium owners with toxic conditions in their unit as a result of breach of duties by building Board and management. Substantial damages were awarded by the jury at the trial.
  • Involved in various litigations and investigations conducted in connection with the firm’s representation of the court-appointed trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC.
  • Counseled Fortune 500 companies during internal and governmental investigations concerning alleged employment, accounting, securities, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations, and reviewed and prepared compliance materials.
  • Represented a hedge fund and commodity pool operator in connection with an investigation by the CFTC alleging cornering of the market in Treasury futures and false statements made to market regulators and settled the investigation for a books and record violation with no charges brought against the client.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • New York Metro Super Lawyers "Rising Star"

Memberships

  • New York State Bar Association
  • Nassau County Bar Association

News

News

Pro Bono

  • Involved with a number of pro bono organizations, including the Safe Passage Project and the National Women’s Law Center (TIME’S UP project).

Prior Positions

  • Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP: Securities and Corporate Governance group

Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, 2008
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, 2008
  • New York, 2005

Education

  • J.D., St. John’s University School of Law, 2004, cum laude; St. John's Law Review
  • B.S., Cornell University, 2001, magna cum laude