MEET MELISSA
Ms. Goins is a partner in the Houston office. Ms. Goins’ primary practice includes representing school districts as well as other public and private sector employers in all forms of employment matters. In Ms. Goins’ litigation practice she has successfully defended cases under Section 1983, Title VII, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, Title IX, and the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act. Ms. Goins’ practice also includes representing school districts in special education and disability law matters.
Ms. Goins received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida in 2006. In 2010, she earned her Juris Doctorate degree from South Texas College of Law. While in law school, Ms. Goins clerked for the Honorable David Hittner in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the Honorable Laura Carter Higley in the First District Court of Appeals of Texas. In addition to her domestic studies, Ms. Goins studied politics and English law at Cambridge University in Cambridge, United Kingdom in July 2005 and cross-cultural dispute resolution at the University of Malta in Valetta, Malta in June 2008.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Goins defended carriers in federal insurance defense matters. When she isn’t working, Ms. Goins enjoys spending time with her three dogs (Nikki, Cricket, and Lemmy) and cheering on the Astros.
PRACTICE AREAS
- General School Law
- Employment Law
- Special Education and Disability
- Litigation
- Constitutional and Civil Rights
EDUCATION
- South Texas College of Law (2010), Juris Doctorate
- University of South Florida (2006), Bachelor of Arts