Mellisa A. Wise graduated from Michigan State University College of Law in 2019. In her first summer as a law student, Mellisa worked as a legal intern at the Washtenaw County Public Defender's Office. Prior to graduation, Mellisa served as a Law Fellow in the Special Victims Bureau of the New York County District Attorney's Office, working closely on investigations and trials involving violent sex crimes and child abuse.  
 
After graduation, Mellisa began working as a line ADA at the New York County District Attorney's Office, handling a large and complex caseload. During her time as a line ADA, Mellisa prosecuted cases involving assaults, child abuse, sex crimes, crimes involving domestic violence, animal abuse, and drunk driving. Mellisa views the training and mentorship she received as an ADA and Law Fellow as invaluable to her litigation practice, and credits her proven winning track record to the intensive and hands-on training provided to her as a prosecutor. 
 
In 2021, Mellisa moved back to her home state of Michigan, settling first in Petoskey, and ultimately in the Boyne area. After moving to northern Michigan, and following her admission to the Michigan bar exam, Mellisa worked in law firms specializing in contract disputes, estate planning, custody/parenting disputes, divorce, adoption, paternity disputes, personal injury, and more.  
 
Mellisa has developed a collaborative practice style, specializing in high conflict parenting time disputes and collaborative divorce proceedings. Mellisa is also an experienced trial attorney and strong courtroom advocate. She is passionate about arming her clients with the tools they need to have a productive and peaceful co-parenting relationship, even when tensions are high. 
 
Having worked professionally as both a criminal defense attorney and a prosecutor, Mellisa developed a unique perspective of the criminal justice system. She has a great appreciation for the importance of prompt communication, proactive lawyering, and thoughtful preparation. When facing the daunting prospective of criminal consequences, Mellisa Wise is well-equipped to protect your rights, mitigate the negative effects of arrest, and help reduce your chances of reoffending and/or future arrest. 
 
Mellisa lives with her husband, stepson, and two dogs. Outside of the office, Mellisa loves to read, bake, and hike with her family. She is endlessly grateful for the northern Michigan community and is proud to serve a large range of counties, including counties located in the Upper Peninsula.