MELANIE R. FINLEY

Associate

Overview

Melanie Finley assists clients with many different litigation issues and legal disputes.

Melanie joined the firm with a diverse background of legal experience working directing in the court system for many years. During law school, she worked in a trial support role in the Anoka County Attorney's Office. Before law school, she worked for a number of years as a clerk in the Anoka County Court system. Melanie uses her extensive background in the Minnesota Court system in her current role as a litigation attorney at Dougherty Molenda.

Melanie applies her hands-on legal experience to develop practical solutions for clients in matters ranging from simple legal consultations to complex litigation support.

At Dougherty Molenda, Melanie assists clients in a wide variety of litigation matters, including the following:

  • Appeals

  • Business Torts and Unfair Competition

  • Commercial Litigation

  • Conciliation Court

  • Construction Defects

  • Contract Disputes

  • Debt Collection

  • Defamation

  • Evictions

  • Manufacturing Disputes

  • Real Estate

  • Shareholder Litigation

  • Trade Secret Misappropriation

  • Unemployment Benefits Appeals

Practices

  • The litigation attorneys at DMSHB handle large and small disputes for individuals and for commercial clients of varying sizes. Our litigation attorneys have been successful in obtaining favorable results for clients at both the trial and appellate levels.

    Learn More About Our Litigation Practice

  • Commercial litigation is a broad term that generally encompasses all business conflicts. We routinely litigate commercial matters for our clients in state and federal courts.

    Learn More About Our Commercial Litigation Practice

  • Our attorneys understand the complexities of eviction law in Minnesota, including the unique requirements of different counties. We help landlords enforce lease terms, manage eviction actions on short notice, and ensure a prompt restoration of property possession. Our firm also provides post-eviction advice on issues like security deposits and property left behind by tenants.

    Learn More about Our Evictions Practice

  • At Dougherty Molenda, we provide dedicated legal support for individuals needing to obtain or defend against harassment restraining orders (HROs) to protect against ongoing abuse, threats, and harassment. Our comprehensive services include filing HROs, representing clients in court, offering consultations to develop tailored strategies, and providing ongoing support for enforcement.

    Learn More About Our Harassment Restraining Order Practice

Credentials

  • Mitchell Hamline School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, J.D.

    Harrison College, B.S.

    Major: Criminal Justice

    University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

    Metro State University, B.A.

    Major: Ethics and Civic Responsibility

  • Minnesota

  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Member

    Dakota County Bar Association, Member

  • Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce

    Redemption Road Animal Rescue, Volunteer

    Midwest Animal Rescue & Services, Volunteer