Melanie M. Norris

Melanie M. Norris is Partner Of Counsel in Dinsmore’s Wheeling office, where her practice focuses on commercial litigation. She represents insurance companies directly and also handles insurance-related disputes for business clients. Her work includes coverage opinions, bad faith litigation, and investigations involving alleged insurance arson or fraud. With more than two decades of practice in the region, she brings substantial experience to contested matters in which policy language, claim handling, financial exposure, and litigation strategy are central concerns.

Norris earned her J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and her B.S. from Muskingum University. Her education provided a foundation in legal research, writing, analysis, and advocacy that supports her work in complex commercial and insurance disputes. She is admitted in West Virginia and Ohio. Her long regional practice gives her familiarity with the courts, procedural rules, and litigation environment affecting insurers and businesses that face coverage questions or claims alleging improper handling of insurance obligations.

Norris advises on insurance coverage and defends bad faith claims while also handling broader commercial litigation. Her work includes investigating suspected arson and fraud and evaluating the factual record surrounding disputed insurance claims. These matters can require close analysis of policy provisions, loss evidence, claim files, business records, and the conduct of parties during adjustment or litigation. She helps clients identify legal issues, assess exposure, develop defensible positions, and prepare matters for resolution through negotiation or court proceedings.

Melanie M. Norris has been recognized by Best Lawyers in insurance-related litigation categories, including selection as the 2020 Morgantown Litigation – Insurance Lawyer of the Year. Her firm profile also reflects professional involvement with defense and bar organizations. She combines commercial litigation experience with a sustained focus on insurance coverage and bad faith matters. Her work helps insurers and businesses address disputed claims, investigate potential fraud, and make informed litigation decisions while managing the financial and operational consequences of complex civil disputes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
• Member, The West Virginia State Bar
• Member, Ohio State Bar Association
• Member, Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia
• Member, Ohio County Bar Association
• Member, Inns of Court
• Member, Defense Research Institute

Licensed State

• West Virginia
• Ohio

Education

• The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Muskingum University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges