Melinda E. Knisley, Esq.
Regain Your Power
Melinda Knisley (pronounced, “Nicely”) is admitted to the bar in Ohio, Florida, the United States FDistrict Court for the Southern District of Ohio, and the Sixth Circuit United States Court of Appeals.
Melinda majored in Psychology at Miami University of Ohio, graduating with honors in 1977. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa due to her scholarship. Melinda was awarded a full scholarship and teaching fellowship in Miami University’s Clinical Psychology PhD Program, which she entered in the fall of 1977. Melinda studied Clinical Psychology in this graduate program for almost two years before deciding to change course and go to law school. Her years studying depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress have proven to be very valuable to Melinda in dealing with clients who are experiencing extreme emotional distress. This is the case with many of our clients who are victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or who have lost a loved one. Melinda graduated at the top of her class at the University of Cincinnati College of Law (finishing in December 1983), and was a member of Law Review and Order of the Coif. From January 1984 through August 1999, Melinda was strictly a defense lawyer, working from 1984-1986 in the litigation department of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, followed by twelve years as Assistant General Counsel at Clopay Corporation.
Melinda’s very broad background representing both plaintiffs and defendants and small and big business alike gives her a unique perspective that enables her to objectively assess and address disputes with a sensible and practical solution in mind.
Melinda is particularly gratified by helping victims of sexual harassment and sexual abuse heal and find closure by regaining their power against those who have wronged them.
Melinda has deep experience with all sides of sex discrimination and sexual harassment. She has been a female in the workplace since her first job at age 14, and knows the traumas that sometime confront working women. At Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, she represented employers. At Clopay Corporation, she defended Clopay in sexual harassment matters, and she conducted extensive sexual harassment training for employees in an effort to prevent it from happening. Since 1999, she and Rob have represented over 150 victims of sexual harassment and sexual abuse.
Most victims of sexual harassment and sexual abuse are female and feel more comfortable relating their stressful and often embarrassing story to a female attorney. Melinda is gratified by helping these women find a resolution that helps them heal and move forward.
Melinda has served a two-year term as Trustee on the Board of Cincinnati Bar Association, and was a Trustee on the Board of Cincinnati Bar Foundation.
In 1996, Melinda was one of the elite few who were chosen to be in the inaugural class of the Cincinnati Academy of Leadership for Lawyers, a nine-month course in leadership and professionalism.
Melinda has an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, which is a rating determined by her fellow lawyers. The AV rating is the highest rating given by Martindale Hubbell, and stands for the highest level of skill as an attorney and the highest ethics and character.
Melinda is married to her law partner, Rob Croskery. Melinda and Rob’s skills complement each other, and they typically double team their cases. Melinda has three sons, Sean, Michael, and Ryan. One lives in California, one lives in Georgia, and the third lives in Chicago.
You may contact Melinda by phone at (513) 232-LAWS (5297), by mail at 3905 Eastern Ave., Suite 200, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
[Fees: We do not charge for initial consultations for sexual harassment, serious personal injury, or wrongful death cases. If we represent you in such a case, there is no attorney fee unless you obtain monies from the adverse party, although you may incur some expenses. For more information, see the fees page].