Since 1976, Mel has focused his practice on civil and criminal trials.  His civil trial practice concentrates on employment law and workers' rights issues.  He represents the interests of working men and women and small businesses with legal problems arising from employment disputes, discrimination claims, contractual disputes, workers' compensation injuries and personal injury claims.  As a trial lawyer, he tries cases in both federal and state cases, and argues appeals in both federal and state appellate courts.  In addition to his active trial practice, Mel is a mediator and arbitrator in employment law disputes, having been certified in federal court following completion of 40 hours of mediation training.

Mel began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Allegheny County, and since 1979 has represented hundreds of clients accused of misdemeanors, felonies and capital murder offenses in state and federal courts. 

A native of Pittsburgh, he attended the University of Michigan where he graduated in 1972, and then obtained his law degree in 1976 from Georgetown University.  He has lectured and written for continuing legal education seminars in the areas of workers' compensation, employment law and legal ethics.