Melissa M. Berry

Lane Powell has hired Melissa M. Berry as its Director of Professional Development and Diversity.

In this role, Berry provides leadership and strategic direction for the firm’s professional development and diversity programs. This includes overseeing the design, implementation, and monitoring of a wide variety of programs related to the professional development of the firm’s attorneys, increasing Lane Powell’s diversity, and fostering an inclusive work environment.

Joe Woods, Lane Powell Chief Operating Officer, commented: “Melissa’s extensive experience in leveraging programming, resources and coaching, paired with her legal background, is an excellent fit for Lane Powell and will ensure we remain committed to professional development, diversity and inclusion.” 

Prior to joining Lane Powell, Berry served as Assistant Dean for Student & Career Services at the University of Washington School of Law, where she played a leading role in helping law students from all backgrounds succeed. She began her career as a litigator at Latham & Watkins and Perkins Coie before turning her focus to legal academia.

Berry serves on the board of Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association Seattle and is President of the Seattle Area Legal Recruiting Association. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Northwestern University School of Law and her B.A. in Political Science and Latin American Studies, cum laude, from Tulane University.