team-member

Melissa Washington

N/A

Licensed for 12 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Employment & Labor

Language

English

About

MELISSA E. PIERRE-LOUIS WASHINGTON is the founding member of the Washington Law Firm PLLC. She was a former partner at Outten & Golden LLP in New York and Washington D.C., where she successfully represented employees in litigation and negotiation in all areas of employment law for over a decade, including individual discrimination and retaliation claims, sexual harassment, whistleblower claims, contractual claims, and wage and hour actions. Ms. Washington also handles a variety of professional and executive compensation and benefits matters, including the negotiation of employment contracts, severance agreements, and restrictive covenants. Ms. Washington has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2017, 2018, 2020-2021 and by LawDragon as the 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers in 2020 and 2021. Ms. Washington is a seasoned litigator with substantial experience representing plaintiffs in both individual and class action cases in state and federal courts, as well as before FINRA and administrative agencies. She also works with clients to avoid litigation where appropriate, and to craft unique solutions to clients’ problems through a combination of negotiation, mediation and alternative dispute resolution.Ms. Washington is a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, the Washington Bar Association, the New York State and City Bar Associations, and the New Jersey State Bar Association. She is the former co-chair of the FMLA subcommittee of ABA Federal Labor Standards Legislation Committee. She is also the former Chair of the National Employment Lawyers Association's Lawyers of Color Committee. 

Practices Areas

Litigation

Employment and labor

Language

English

Contact

Washington Law Firm PLLC1050 Connecticut Ave NWSuite 65425Washington, DC, 20036

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Cierra
September 17, 2021

I hired Melissa after dealing (and firing) with the worst lawyer of my life. She was so kind and took the time to explain to me legal terms and strategy that made sense for my case. She was an advocate for me and gave her professional advice while being supportive of my concerns.

anonymous
September 14, 2021

I had a very favorable outcome in my case because of Melissa's work. She was smart, tough (in the way a lawyer needs to be), extremely responsive -- answering all of my questions, providing context when I needed more information, and sending timely updates on how my case was progressing. I always felt taken care of. Melissa is a great lawyer, but what really made the difference was that she was also easy to work with, empathetic, candid, and funny. She made an inherently hard experience easier, while achieving the results I wanted.

Melissa
September 13, 2021

Since the first time speaking with Melissa, I knew she was the right person for the job! It was my first time ever working with a lawyer and she made my experience so easy. She was very clear and honest from the beginning and educated me on processes and also cares about your situation. Her response rate is amazing and puts your mind at ease knowing someone is on your side. I would highly recommend her.

anonymous
June 12, 2019

I highly recommend Ms. Pierre-Louis. She is extremely knowledgeable on the field of employment law. She is efficient, results-oriented and patient. She is not only effective, but also a pleasure to work with.

anonymous
December 8, 2018

Not only is Melissa great at what she does, but she truly cares and is passionate about her work. From the moment we first consulted on my particular case, she made me feel at ease and confident. She advocated for me, exceeding expectations and kept the lines of communication open throughout the entire process. I’d definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable labor and employment lawyer.

anonymous
July 30, 2017

I am so glad I chose Ms. Pierre-Louis as my attorney. She is incredibly knowledgeable and quickly understood the specifics of my situation. She took the time to listen to my concerns, and I always felt like an active part of the process, thanks to her ability to communicate in a language I could understand, so that I could make informed decisions. I hope never to need her services again, but I would recommend her in an instant to anyone seeking her legal services. Because of her ability to combine an attention to detail with a sense of the big picture, we accomplished what we set out to do, with minimal stress and aggravation.

anonymous
June 21, 2017

I was recommended to Outten and Golden by a previous lawyer firm, there I consulted and hired Melissa Pierre-Louis. As soon as I came to my first consultation she made me feel comfortable and answer all questions and doubts I had regarding my case, all her answers were concise and I was able to understand all the legal terms and all the options that I had a the time. I felt like I knew Melissa from a long time, she treated me with respect and listened closely to all my questions, she provided very helpful information and guidance on my case. Melissa provided realistic expectations in terms of the outcome of my case and timelines. After I hired Melissa I only dealt with her via e-mail and phone, which was very convenient, we were able to communicate clearly and effectively. My case was settled and I ended up getting a relatively larger settlement amount than expected, I absolutely got what I invested in terms of time and retainer. I would recommend Melissa to anyone having legal issues with their employer, she would give you a realistic expectation, you will find that she is very knowledgeable and engaged in the cases she handles.

Audrey
May 26, 2017

In April 2015, I contacted Melissa Pierre Louis via her law firm. After consulting her I hired her immediately. I contacted her regarding an employment issue in which I felt I was being discriminated against because of my age and race. This was a very challenging time for me, as I had been employed by my company for over twenty years. In addition to my employment difficulties, I was also responsible for the care of my two elderly and ill parents. Melissa was not only knowledgeable in employment law, but she was accessible, very approachable , empathetic and compassionate. She helped me get through a very difficult time, while helping me maintain my dignity and self respect! I highly recommend Melissa without reservation. She represented me impeccably and we achieved the desired outcome in a short period of time! Thank you

Kate
May 25, 2017

I was referred to Outten & Golden by a very prominent lawyer who did not handle Labor Law. I needed a lawyer to handle my discrimination case, and he highly recommended Ms. Melissa Pierre-Louis. I met with Melissa and she was friendly and very sympathetic regarding all that I had endured. She was thorough and detail-oriented. She took notes as I explained my case. She asked many questions ensuring that she had documented every aspect with complete accuracy. She answered every one of my questions with specifics regarding how the law operated, and gave me examples so that I understood every aspect of my claim. Melissa described how the case would begin and informed me of the steps that generally occur in cases such as mine. It was clear to me that she was a true professional who had my best interests in mind. Before the end of our meeting Melissa clearly explained the pricing and my options. She left no stone unturned! As the case began and progressed Melissa kept me abreast of the details. She would email and call me with updates, and generally made herself available when I called randomly. If she was unable to take my call, her lovely assistant, Carmen would let me know when Melissa would get back to me; it was a few hours at most. Ms.Melissa Pierre-Louis not only won the case against this major corporation, but was clearly a tough negotiator because she was able to secure an agreement where I was awarded more than double what the company's attorneys said they were willing to pay. I highly recommend Melissa, and if I am ever in a similar situation again I know who I am calling.

Ayla
May 24, 2017

I was introduced to Melissa when I needed an employment lawyer and choosing her was a fantastic decision. Melissa gave my case her full & honest attention from the first phone call to the last meeting. Being represented by Melissa made me feel secure and I was confident in her abilities to move the case in the desired direction. As someone hiring a lawyer for the first time I had no understanding of the process and financials involved. Melissa explained in detail all available options and possible outcomes. She stayed in touch continuously and worked hard to keep the timeline as short as possible. The outcome was excellent from my personal point of view as well as Melissa's professional opinion. Hiring Melissa was an investment in my well-being.

Cierra
September 17, 2021

I hired Melissa after dealing (and firing) with the worst lawyer of my life. She was so kind and took the time to explain to me legal terms and strategy that made sense for my case. She was an advocate for me and gave her professional advice while being supportive of my concerns.

anonymous
September 14, 2021

I had a very favorable outcome in my case because of Melissa's work. She was smart, tough (in the way a lawyer needs to be), extremely responsive -- answering all of my questions, providing context when I needed more information, and sending timely updates on how my case was progressing. I always felt taken care of. Melissa is a great lawyer, but what really made the difference was that she was also easy to work with, empathetic, candid, and funny. She made an inherently hard experience easier, while achieving the results I wanted.

Melissa
September 13, 2021

Since the first time speaking with Melissa, I knew she was the right person for the job! It was my first time ever working with a lawyer and she made my experience so easy. She was very clear and honest from the beginning and educated me on processes and also cares about your situation. Her response rate is amazing and puts your mind at ease knowing someone is on your side. I would highly recommend her.

anonymous
June 12, 2019

I highly recommend Ms. Pierre-Louis. She is extremely knowledgeable on the field of employment law. She is efficient, results-oriented and patient. She is not only effective, but also a pleasure to work with.

anonymous
December 8, 2018

Not only is Melissa great at what she does, but she truly cares and is passionate about her work. From the moment we first consulted on my particular case, she made me feel at ease and confident. She advocated for me, exceeding expectations and kept the lines of communication open throughout the entire process. I’d definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable labor and employment lawyer.

anonymous
July 30, 2017

I am so glad I chose Ms. Pierre-Louis as my attorney. She is incredibly knowledgeable and quickly understood the specifics of my situation. She took the time to listen to my concerns, and I always felt like an active part of the process, thanks to her ability to communicate in a language I could understand, so that I could make informed decisions. I hope never to need her services again, but I would recommend her in an instant to anyone seeking her legal services. Because of her ability to combine an attention to detail with a sense of the big picture, we accomplished what we set out to do, with minimal stress and aggravation.

anonymous
June 21, 2017

I was recommended to Outten and Golden by a previous lawyer firm, there I consulted and hired Melissa Pierre-Louis. As soon as I came to my first consultation she made me feel comfortable and answer all questions and doubts I had regarding my case, all her answers were concise and I was able to understand all the legal terms and all the options that I had a the time. I felt like I knew Melissa from a long time, she treated me with respect and listened closely to all my questions, she provided very helpful information and guidance on my case. Melissa provided realistic expectations in terms of the outcome of my case and timelines. After I hired Melissa I only dealt with her via e-mail and phone, which was very convenient, we were able to communicate clearly and effectively. My case was settled and I ended up getting a relatively larger settlement amount than expected, I absolutely got what I invested in terms of time and retainer. I would recommend Melissa to anyone having legal issues with their employer, she would give you a realistic expectation, you will find that she is very knowledgeable and engaged in the cases she handles.

Audrey
May 26, 2017

In April 2015, I contacted Melissa Pierre Louis via her law firm. After consulting her I hired her immediately. I contacted her regarding an employment issue in which I felt I was being discriminated against because of my age and race. This was a very challenging time for me, as I had been employed by my company for over twenty years. In addition to my employment difficulties, I was also responsible for the care of my two elderly and ill parents. Melissa was not only knowledgeable in employment law, but she was accessible, very approachable , empathetic and compassionate. She helped me get through a very difficult time, while helping me maintain my dignity and self respect! I highly recommend Melissa without reservation. She represented me impeccably and we achieved the desired outcome in a short period of time! Thank you

Kate
May 25, 2017

I was referred to Outten & Golden by a very prominent lawyer who did not handle Labor Law. I needed a lawyer to handle my discrimination case, and he highly recommended Ms. Melissa Pierre-Louis. I met with Melissa and she was friendly and very sympathetic regarding all that I had endured. She was thorough and detail-oriented. She took notes as I explained my case. She asked many questions ensuring that she had documented every aspect with complete accuracy. She answered every one of my questions with specifics regarding how the law operated, and gave me examples so that I understood every aspect of my claim. Melissa described how the case would begin and informed me of the steps that generally occur in cases such as mine. It was clear to me that she was a true professional who had my best interests in mind. Before the end of our meeting Melissa clearly explained the pricing and my options. She left no stone unturned! As the case began and progressed Melissa kept me abreast of the details. She would email and call me with updates, and generally made herself available when I called randomly. If she was unable to take my call, her lovely assistant, Carmen would let me know when Melissa would get back to me; it was a few hours at most. Ms.Melissa Pierre-Louis not only won the case against this major corporation, but was clearly a tough negotiator because she was able to secure an agreement where I was awarded more than double what the company's attorneys said they were willing to pay. I highly recommend Melissa, and if I am ever in a similar situation again I know who I am calling.

Ayla
May 24, 2017

I was introduced to Melissa when I needed an employment lawyer and choosing her was a fantastic decision. Melissa gave my case her full & honest attention from the first phone call to the last meeting. Being represented by Melissa made me feel secure and I was confident in her abilities to move the case in the desired direction. As someone hiring a lawyer for the first time I had no understanding of the process and financials involved. Melissa explained in detail all available options and possible outcomes. She stayed in touch continuously and worked hard to keep the timeline as short as possible. The outcome was excellent from my personal point of view as well as Melissa's professional opinion. Hiring Melissa was an investment in my well-being.

Cierra
September 17, 2021

I hired Melissa after dealing (and firing) with the worst lawyer of my life. She was so kind and took the time to explain to me legal terms and strategy that made sense for my case. She was an advocate for me and gave her professional advice while being supportive of my concerns.

anonymous
September 14, 2021

I had a very favorable outcome in my case because of Melissa's work. She was smart, tough (in the way a lawyer needs to be), extremely responsive -- answering all of my questions, providing context when I needed more information, and sending timely updates on how my case was progressing. I always felt taken care of. Melissa is a great lawyer, but what really made the difference was that she was also easy to work with, empathetic, candid, and funny. She made an inherently hard experience easier, while achieving the results I wanted.

Melissa
September 13, 2021

Since the first time speaking with Melissa, I knew she was the right person for the job! It was my first time ever working with a lawyer and she made my experience so easy. She was very clear and honest from the beginning and educated me on processes and also cares about your situation. Her response rate is amazing and puts your mind at ease knowing someone is on your side. I would highly recommend her.

anonymous
June 12, 2019

I highly recommend Ms. Pierre-Louis. She is extremely knowledgeable on the field of employment law. She is efficient, results-oriented and patient. She is not only effective, but also a pleasure to work with.

anonymous
December 8, 2018

Not only is Melissa great at what she does, but she truly cares and is passionate about her work. From the moment we first consulted on my particular case, she made me feel at ease and confident. She advocated for me, exceeding expectations and kept the lines of communication open throughout the entire process. I’d definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable labor and employment lawyer.

anonymous
July 30, 2017

I am so glad I chose Ms. Pierre-Louis as my attorney. She is incredibly knowledgeable and quickly understood the specifics of my situation. She took the time to listen to my concerns, and I always felt like an active part of the process, thanks to her ability to communicate in a language I could understand, so that I could make informed decisions. I hope never to need her services again, but I would recommend her in an instant to anyone seeking her legal services. Because of her ability to combine an attention to detail with a sense of the big picture, we accomplished what we set out to do, with minimal stress and aggravation.

anonymous
June 21, 2017

I was recommended to Outten and Golden by a previous lawyer firm, there I consulted and hired Melissa Pierre-Louis. As soon as I came to my first consultation she made me feel comfortable and answer all questions and doubts I had regarding my case, all her answers were concise and I was able to understand all the legal terms and all the options that I had a the time. I felt like I knew Melissa from a long time, she treated me with respect and listened closely to all my questions, she provided very helpful information and guidance on my case. Melissa provided realistic expectations in terms of the outcome of my case and timelines. After I hired Melissa I only dealt with her via e-mail and phone, which was very convenient, we were able to communicate clearly and effectively. My case was settled and I ended up getting a relatively larger settlement amount than expected, I absolutely got what I invested in terms of time and retainer. I would recommend Melissa to anyone having legal issues with their employer, she would give you a realistic expectation, you will find that she is very knowledgeable and engaged in the cases she handles.

Audrey
May 26, 2017

In April 2015, I contacted Melissa Pierre Louis via her law firm. After consulting her I hired her immediately. I contacted her regarding an employment issue in which I felt I was being discriminated against because of my age and race. This was a very challenging time for me, as I had been employed by my company for over twenty years. In addition to my employment difficulties, I was also responsible for the care of my two elderly and ill parents. Melissa was not only knowledgeable in employment law, but she was accessible, very approachable , empathetic and compassionate. She helped me get through a very difficult time, while helping me maintain my dignity and self respect! I highly recommend Melissa without reservation. She represented me impeccably and we achieved the desired outcome in a short period of time! Thank you

Kate
May 25, 2017

I was referred to Outten & Golden by a very prominent lawyer who did not handle Labor Law. I needed a lawyer to handle my discrimination case, and he highly recommended Ms. Melissa Pierre-Louis. I met with Melissa and she was friendly and very sympathetic regarding all that I had endured. She was thorough and detail-oriented. She took notes as I explained my case. She asked many questions ensuring that she had documented every aspect with complete accuracy. She answered every one of my questions with specifics regarding how the law operated, and gave me examples so that I understood every aspect of my claim. Melissa described how the case would begin and informed me of the steps that generally occur in cases such as mine. It was clear to me that she was a true professional who had my best interests in mind. Before the end of our meeting Melissa clearly explained the pricing and my options. She left no stone unturned! As the case began and progressed Melissa kept me abreast of the details. She would email and call me with updates, and generally made herself available when I called randomly. If she was unable to take my call, her lovely assistant, Carmen would let me know when Melissa would get back to me; it was a few hours at most. Ms.Melissa Pierre-Louis not only won the case against this major corporation, but was clearly a tough negotiator because she was able to secure an agreement where I was awarded more than double what the company's attorneys said they were willing to pay. I highly recommend Melissa, and if I am ever in a similar situation again I know who I am calling.

Ayla
May 24, 2017

I was introduced to Melissa when I needed an employment lawyer and choosing her was a fantastic decision. Melissa gave my case her full & honest attention from the first phone call to the last meeting. Being represented by Melissa made me feel secure and I was confident in her abilities to move the case in the desired direction. As someone hiring a lawyer for the first time I had no understanding of the process and financials involved. Melissa explained in detail all available options and possible outcomes. She stayed in touch continuously and worked hard to keep the timeline as short as possible. The outcome was excellent from my personal point of view as well as Melissa's professional opinion. Hiring Melissa was an investment in my well-being.

Cierra
September 17, 2021

I hired Melissa after dealing (and firing) with the worst lawyer of my life. She was so kind and took the time to explain to me legal terms and strategy that made sense for my case. She was an advocate for me and gave her professional advice while being supportive of my concerns.

anonymous
September 14, 2021

I had a very favorable outcome in my case because of Melissa's work. She was smart, tough (in the way a lawyer needs to be), extremely responsive -- answering all of my questions, providing context when I needed more information, and sending timely updates on how my case was progressing. I always felt taken care of. Melissa is a great lawyer, but what really made the difference was that she was also easy to work with, empathetic, candid, and funny. She made an inherently hard experience easier, while achieving the results I wanted.

Melissa
September 13, 2021

Since the first time speaking with Melissa, I knew she was the right person for the job! It was my first time ever working with a lawyer and she made my experience so easy. She was very clear and honest from the beginning and educated me on processes and also cares about your situation. Her response rate is amazing and puts your mind at ease knowing someone is on your side. I would highly recommend her.

anonymous
June 12, 2019

I highly recommend Ms. Pierre-Louis. She is extremely knowledgeable on the field of employment law. She is efficient, results-oriented and patient. She is not only effective, but also a pleasure to work with.

anonymous
December 8, 2018

Not only is Melissa great at what she does, but she truly cares and is passionate about her work. From the moment we first consulted on my particular case, she made me feel at ease and confident. She advocated for me, exceeding expectations and kept the lines of communication open throughout the entire process. I’d definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable labor and employment lawyer.

anonymous
July 30, 2017

I am so glad I chose Ms. Pierre-Louis as my attorney. She is incredibly knowledgeable and quickly understood the specifics of my situation. She took the time to listen to my concerns, and I always felt like an active part of the process, thanks to her ability to communicate in a language I could understand, so that I could make informed decisions. I hope never to need her services again, but I would recommend her in an instant to anyone seeking her legal services. Because of her ability to combine an attention to detail with a sense of the big picture, we accomplished what we set out to do, with minimal stress and aggravation.

anonymous
June 21, 2017

I was recommended to Outten and Golden by a previous lawyer firm, there I consulted and hired Melissa Pierre-Louis. As soon as I came to my first consultation she made me feel comfortable and answer all questions and doubts I had regarding my case, all her answers were concise and I was able to understand all the legal terms and all the options that I had a the time. I felt like I knew Melissa from a long time, she treated me with respect and listened closely to all my questions, she provided very helpful information and guidance on my case. Melissa provided realistic expectations in terms of the outcome of my case and timelines. After I hired Melissa I only dealt with her via e-mail and phone, which was very convenient, we were able to communicate clearly and effectively. My case was settled and I ended up getting a relatively larger settlement amount than expected, I absolutely got what I invested in terms of time and retainer. I would recommend Melissa to anyone having legal issues with their employer, she would give you a realistic expectation, you will find that she is very knowledgeable and engaged in the cases she handles.

Audrey
May 26, 2017

In April 2015, I contacted Melissa Pierre Louis via her law firm. After consulting her I hired her immediately. I contacted her regarding an employment issue in which I felt I was being discriminated against because of my age and race. This was a very challenging time for me, as I had been employed by my company for over twenty years. In addition to my employment difficulties, I was also responsible for the care of my two elderly and ill parents. Melissa was not only knowledgeable in employment law, but she was accessible, very approachable , empathetic and compassionate. She helped me get through a very difficult time, while helping me maintain my dignity and self respect! I highly recommend Melissa without reservation. She represented me impeccably and we achieved the desired outcome in a short period of time! Thank you

Kate
May 25, 2017

I was referred to Outten & Golden by a very prominent lawyer who did not handle Labor Law. I needed a lawyer to handle my discrimination case, and he highly recommended Ms. Melissa Pierre-Louis. I met with Melissa and she was friendly and very sympathetic regarding all that I had endured. She was thorough and detail-oriented. She took notes as I explained my case. She asked many questions ensuring that she had documented every aspect with complete accuracy. She answered every one of my questions with specifics regarding how the law operated, and gave me examples so that I understood every aspect of my claim. Melissa described how the case would begin and informed me of the steps that generally occur in cases such as mine. It was clear to me that she was a true professional who had my best interests in mind. Before the end of our meeting Melissa clearly explained the pricing and my options. She left no stone unturned! As the case began and progressed Melissa kept me abreast of the details. She would email and call me with updates, and generally made herself available when I called randomly. If she was unable to take my call, her lovely assistant, Carmen would let me know when Melissa would get back to me; it was a few hours at most. Ms.Melissa Pierre-Louis not only won the case against this major corporation, but was clearly a tough negotiator because she was able to secure an agreement where I was awarded more than double what the company's attorneys said they were willing to pay. I highly recommend Melissa, and if I am ever in a similar situation again I know who I am calling.

Ayla
May 24, 2017

I was introduced to Melissa when I needed an employment lawyer and choosing her was a fantastic decision. Melissa gave my case her full & honest attention from the first phone call to the last meeting. Being represented by Melissa made me feel secure and I was confident in her abilities to move the case in the desired direction. As someone hiring a lawyer for the first time I had no understanding of the process and financials involved. Melissa explained in detail all available options and possible outcomes. She stayed in touch continuously and worked hard to keep the timeline as short as possible. The outcome was excellent from my personal point of view as well as Melissa's professional opinion. Hiring Melissa was an investment in my well-being.