MELANIE J. WHITTAMORE-MANTZIOS
Melanie is a member of the firm’s litigation practice group. She has over 30 years of courtroom and appellate experience. She has successfully prosecuted and defended professional licensure claims, employment, civil rights, and personal injury claims through trials, administrative hearing, arbitration and on appeal. She has served as an arbitrator and hearing officer in employment, housing, and environmental cases for state and municipalities.
Her 15 years of experience as a Nebraska Assistant Attorney General and 18 years of private practice have given her the unique experience of both prosecuting, defending, and serving as a neutral in cases. She enjoys meeting and working with clients to develop the best strategy to resolve their legal needs in the most efficient manner. She provides a calm and gentle presence for clients in stressful situations and is easily accessible to meet her clients’ needs.
Melanie has frequently presented at continuing legal education programs in the areas of employment law, discovery issues, and trial practice.
Admitted to practice in: State of Nebraska; United States District Court, District of Nebraska; United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, and the United State Supreme Court
Juris Doctor, University of Nebraska College of Law, 1988
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, University of Nebraska-Omaha, 1985
Professional Affiliations
- Nebraska State Bar Association
- Labor and Employment Law Section
- Health Law Section
- Women and Law Section, Past Vice Chair
- Nebraska State Bar Foundation Fellow
- Nebraska State Bar Foundation’s Bench, Bar & Media Committee Member
- Lincoln Bar Association, Former Board of Trustee Member
- Nebraska Defense Counsel Association, Current Board Member
- Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys
- Robert Van Pelt Inns of Court Member 1997-2003
- Federal Practice Committee, 2010 Chairperson
- Defense Research Institute
- Nebraska State Bar Association Health Consortium President 2018-2022
Area(s) of Practice
Litigation
Personal Injury
Employment Discrimination
Transportation
Civil Rights
Construction Defect
Professional Disciplinary
Hearing Officer/Arbitrator
Administrative Law
Significant Matters
- Successfully obtained summary judgment motions in civil rights and personal injury matters
- Positioned clients through the use of discovery; use of experts, and motion practice to obtain favorable results in mediation
- Obtained favorable results for clients in contested matters tried in court or in administrative hearings
- Obtained favorable results for clients when actions have been appealed
- Successfully advocated for preservation of professional licenses in disciplinary actions
- Successfully advocated for reinstatement of medical and nursing licenses after suspension of medical and nursing licenses
Publications:
The Basics of a Retaliation Claim in Employment Action, The Nebraska Lawyer May 2005.
A Dozen Things to Know About the New County Court Expedited Civil Actions Act, Nebraska Defense Counsel Association Newsletter Fall 2022
Special Distinctions:
- American Board of Trial Advocates, Nebraska Chapter, President 2017
- Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
Community Service:
- Rotary Club 14 – Past President 2014-15
- Rotary Club 14 Foundation Board Member
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Lincoln and Lancaster County – Former Board Member
- Teammate Mentor since 2014
- Nebraska Girl Scout Council Realignment Committee 2007 (Process to unite five separate Girl Scout Councils into 1)
Contact Info
Email Melanie