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Melissa Pallett-Vasquez

Partner
305-350-2393
Je Parle Français
Hablo Español
Area of Focus: Litigation
"Her analytical skills to diagnose problems and devise viable options as well as her dedication separates her from many attorneys." - Chambers USA source
  • OVERVIEW
  • EXPERIENCE
  • INSIGHTS
  • CREDENTIALS
GET TO KNOW Melissa
Melissa is a seasoned trial lawyer who handles complex business disputes in both federal and state courts, as well as arbitration. She focuses her practice in federal class action defense and multi-jurisdictional cases. Melissa leads client teams defending product labeling claims, product defect cases, misrepresentation claims, false advertising claims and antitrust claims, in addition to defending and pursuing complex construction defects cases. Melissa's long-standing clients appreciate her ability to interpret the legal landscape and craft astute defense strategies that protect their businesses today, tomorrow and in the future.
Q & A
What trends in FDA product labeling and regulations should food and beverage industry leaders be aware of?
The food and beverage industry is under immense pressure to keep up with constantly evolving labeling requirements, product definitions, and compliance regulations, all in the name of consumer protection. The FDA works to clarify vague classifications that may cause confusion for consumers and legal liability for food and beverage companies, but formal guidance is often reactive and not proactive, and as a result companies often must do their own good faith analysis of terms and marketing. Industry leaders can stay up-to-date with news and analysis, and suggestions on navigating the impending FDA regulations on foodcourtlaw.com.
What distinguishes you from other litigation attorneys?
Clients rely on me not just to resolve the immediate business dispute the may face but most importantly, they trust me to do so in the context of their overall business objectives. I take pride in understanding my clients’ businesses inside and out. With that understanding, I work not only to “fix" existing challenges, but also to identify problems before they are formally presented and offer common sense solutions.
How does your extensive litigation background benefit your class action defense clients?
I’m a trial lawyer and there is nothing I like more than taking a case to trial. But my varied litigation experience provides me with realistic perspectives to guide clients through the complicated “go or no-go” decision about pursuing litigation through trial on the one hand, or reaching an amicable resolution on the other. I’m not just defending or prosecuting the case; rather, I am looking around the corner to anticipate the case’s impact on the company’s future. Success is defined differently for every client and for each case; so is the litigation strategy. Because the reality is, as much as I personally love trial, it’s not always the best strategy for a particular client.
My PRACTICES
Commercial Litigation International Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution Class Actions & Opt-Out Litigation Probate Litigation Cannabis Technology Homebuilders Food & Beverage Franchise Law
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
Defense of Manufacturer and Distributor in Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Advertis...
Represented beverage manufacturer and distributor, All Market Inc.,in defense of a national federal class action consumer fraud, and deceptive advertising case regarding its Vita Coco coconut water. The plaintiffs alleged that the Vita Coco product packaging and marketing materials contained mislead...
EXPERIENCE
Successfully Obtained Dismissal of Nationwide Putative Class Action for Homebuil...
Representation of a major homebuilder in a nationwide putative class action in which plaintiffs alleged negligence, strict liability, breach of express and implied warranty, and violation of FDUPTA, and sought injunctive relief and medical monitoring, asserting that spray polyurethane foam used as a...
EXPERIENCE
Successfully Overturned Class Certification and Clarified the Legal Standard for...
Representation of themajor insurance companyin a class action where we successfully overturned the class certification and clarified the legal standard for standing in the Third District Court of Appeal.
EXPERIENCE
Successfully Obtained $1.02 Billion Jury Verdict for Homebuilder
Representation of major homebuilder Lennar Corporation in an action against a former business partner, who had engaged in a fraud and defamation scheme in order to extort money from our client. Following a jury trial, Lennar was awarded $1.02 billion in damages. The decision was upheld on appeal.
INSIGHTS
CREDENTIALS
  • University of Florida, J.D., Levin College of Law, cum laude, 2003
    McGill University, B.A., 2000
  • American Bar Association

    International Law Section, Liaison Officer, 2020-2021
    International Law Section, Annual Conference Co-Chair, 2021
    International Law Section, Food, Agriculture & Cannabis Committee, Vice-Chair, 2020-2021
    International Law Section, Annual Conference Co-Chair, 2018
    International Law Section,  Division Chair, 2018-2020
    International Law Section, Canada Committee, Committee Co-Chair, 2016 - 2018; Senior Advisor 2019-present
    International Law Section, Food and Agricultural Task Force, Vice-Chair, 2019-2020

    Association for Women Lawyers
    Member
    Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade

    Board of Directors, 2017
    Gala Committee, 2014 - Present

    Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida
    Member
    Cuban American Bar Association
    Member
    The Florida Bar
    Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee, 2013 - 2015
    Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
    Leadership Miami, Class of 2010
    Lawyers for Children America

    Board of Directors, 2018 - Present
    Volunteer Attorney Ad Litem, 2005 - Present

    McGill Alumni Association
    President of the South Florida Chapter, 2007 - Present
    National Association of Women Judges
    Friends Committee, 2011 - 2012
  • Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
    U.S. District Court, District of Colorado

  • Band 3, Chambers USA, Litigation: General Commercial, 2017- present

    Daily Business Review, Innovators Honoree, 2021

    National Law Journal, Crisis Leadership Trailblazer, 2020

    Daily Business Review, Florida Trailblazers, 2019

    The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, 2019 - present

    Benchmark Litigation, 40 & Under Hot List, 2016 -2019; Future Star, 2016 - present

    Florida Super Lawyers, 2020 - present

    Florida Super Lawyers, Florida Rising Stars, 2010 -2019

    Florida Trend's Legal Elite, 2007 - 2008, 2012 - present

  • French
    Spanish