Melissa J. Essick, Attorney
Melissa J. Essick
Melissa seemed destined to be a lawyer. She started out as a Political Science major at UNC Wilmington, where she graduated cum laude and was inducted into the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Are you duly impressed? Then, she went on to receive her law degree from Campbell University School of Law where she was a member of Campbell's National Trial Team. After winning Campbell's Intramural Moot Court Competition, she served as a two-time member of the American Bar Association's National Moot Court Team. Was she made to be a lawyer or what? And her compassionate listening skills make her ideal for family law.
Of course, having a huge family didn't hurt when it came to developing Melissa's keen sense of empathy. The guest list for her wedding totaled more than 100 for her immediate family alone. Growing up in a family of this size may also be responsible for Melissa's great sense of humor and outgoing personality.
Prior to joining Rosen, Melissa practiced law at Johnson, Lambeth & Brown in Wilmington, and while working as Director of Government Affairs for the North Carolina Manufactured Housing Institute, she got to know I-40 intimately. The job required her to travel all over North Carolina.
Melissa likes to give back, too. She was a member of the North Carolina Prevent Blindness Fundraising Board, during which she took part in hosting a gala which raised more than $40,000 for programs that help to preserve children's sight.
Melissa's husband is proud that his wife is the only one he knows who's willing to watch ESPN sports with him all day without complaining. She loves college and pro football, basketball, golf, hockey - you name it. But before you think she's perfect, she does admit to a serious addiction that causes her family and friends to shake their heads. Since there is no "Chips and Salsa Anonymous," however, they'll just have to live with her habit.
