Melissa A. Hailey

Melissa A. Hailey is a founding partner of Hailey | Hart recognized for her dedication to justice and integrity in the legal profession. A skilled trial and appellate attorney, she has successfully represented clients nationwide in state and federal courts. Her expertise spans complex litigation, including personal injury, bad faith insurance claims, and product liability cases. Her commitment to excellence has earned her repeated recognition by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and 5280 Magazine’s Top Lawyers.

Melissa earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Denver, graduating cum laude in 2001. She then pursued her Juris Doctor at Seattle University School of Law, where she also graduated cum laude in 2006. Licensed in Colorado, Arizona (inactive), and New Mexico (inactive), she has built a formidable legal career, appearing in trial and appellate courts across multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. District Courts and federal appellate courts in the Ninth, Tenth, Fifth, and D.C. Circuits.

Melissa’s appellate work has influenced significant legal precedent, including her victory in Boustred v. Align, which redefined personal jurisdiction in product liability cases before the Colorado Supreme Court. A respected leader in the legal community, Melissa serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and contributes to key committees. She also mentors new attorneys and regularly presents at legal seminars on litigation strategies, expert testimony, and mediation techniques.

Beyond her legal practice, Melissa A. Hailey is deeply engaged in environmental advocacy, having served as President of the Southern Plains Land Trust and Vice President of WildEarth Guardians. She continues her pro bono work as legal counsel for High Country News.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Hailey | Hart PLLC
• Member, Colorado Bar Association
• Member, Arizona Bar Association
• Member, New Mexico Bar Association
• Member, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Colorado Women’s Bar Association
• Member, Colorado Women’s Trial Lawyers Network

Licensed State

• Colorado

Education

• Seattle University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Denver
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges