Services
All services are remotely-based.
In-person engagements may be an option with a collective access rider.
Coaching
I collaborate with advocates, organizers, and attorneys as a soundboard to workshop a variety of different—and often intersectional—challenges.
I use my intuition to ask the critical questions, hold space for your processing, and provide support as an accountability partner for you to take definitive action on the next step.
Coaching packages start with a 3 month commitment of weekly or biweekly 50 minute sessions, subject to mutual renewal.
If you work at a non-profit, firm, or other organization—your employer may cover all or partial coaching costs as part of professional development/support. For these organizational clients, I utilize a sliding scale model based on publicly available tax documents and/or the annual operating budget.
For individuals without organizational support, I offer a sliding scale based on income, as well as a more financially accessible group coaching program every quarter.
Consulting
As both a long-term organizer for over two decades and as a public interest attorney, I specialize in creating, executing, and managing pro bono and legal services programs. I believe that everyone has a role in the movement.
I have deep experience designing and implementing legal and legal-adjacent projects:
Medical-Legal Partnerships
Immigration and Civil Legal Services Programs
National and Statewide Pro Bono and Volunteer Management & Programs
Directing Scalable Legal and Organizing-Based Trainings
Virtual Law Firm/Social Entrepreneurship Expertise
Grassroots Campaigns and Strategy
Head of Staff and Management Support
I am licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and areas of federal law, such as immigration. I would love to explore collaborating with your organization to co-create a tailor-made plan to support your needs.
Testimonials
“My coaching sessions with Melanie were filled with thoughtful insights and practical tools for navigating professional challenges. Many of the takeaways, however, ended up being just as applicable in my personal life.
Having someone with razor-sharp political analysis, grounded in empowerment, helped me see how I can better recognize opportunities to step into my own agency, grow into my strength, and navigate life more strategically.”
Sue Williams Kim, Legal Operations Manager
Asian Law Caucus
“Working with Melanie was a turning point in my professional journey. Her coaching supported me through a critical career transition — from making a bold decision to take a necessary break from work without guilt and stepping into a new role. That pause created space to reconnect with my values and reimagine what I wanted from my work.
Melanie helped me navigate complex workplace dynamics, including managing up and acting as a bridge between staff and leadership. I walked away from our sessions with a stronger sense of clarity, and the tools to be a better leader. The tools I gained continue to show up in my day-to-day — in how I set boundaries, manage my workload and how I show up for others.”
Lolita Fernandes, Deputy City Attorney
City of Redwood City, California
“Melanie brought immediate, day-one value to Rise Up through her commanding, expert handling of our volunteer attorney program. She quickly established clear systems, elevated the quality and consistency of our operations, and earned the trust of both staff and volunteer attorneys with her judgment and professionalism.
Her ability to build sustainable, mission-aligned programs while keeping an eye on execution is exceptional. Working with Melanie felt less like onboarding a consultant and more like adding a seasoned leader to the team.”
Suzanne Summerlin, General Counsel
Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network
“Melanie's coaching helped me make powerful changes I longed for in my personal life and work. She showed up as more than a coach; I felt her act as a profound ally for me, supporting me through recovery from a disabling spinal injury and the redesign of my career.
She has an incredibly astute perception which served me in untangling chronically challenging issues that had been holding me back in key areas of my life. Even more powerful has been the skillful way Melanie coached me into more clarity and courage which is still having the impact of me making bolder choices in work and alliance building. I grew in ways I hoped for working with Melanie.”
M. Nemer
Community Resilience Facilitator
