Melissa A. Lewis

Melissa A. Lewis is a seasoned attorney who represents national and regional financial institutions in sophisticated commercial lending matters. Her practice includes structuring, negotiating, and documenting agented and syndicated loan transactions. She has developed extensive experience handling leveraged buyouts, sponsor-financed deals, and asset-based loans, along with mortgage warehouse and repurchase facilities, and multi-currency financing structures for complex business and real estate transactions.

Melissa earned her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, where she was an associate and contributing editor for the University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform. Before law school, she graduated with honors from Michigan State University, earning a B.A. Her legal education, combined with editorial and leadership roles, equipped her with the analytical, writing, and advocacy skills that have been central to her success in representing financial institutions.

Melissa’s career spans significant work in developing standard documentation for syndicated credit facilities and sponsor-leveraged buyouts, giving her clients practical tools for consistency and compliance in major transactions. She also counsels lenders in matters involving mezzanine debt, subordinated debt, and second lien debt, ensuring that financial institutions are protected while enabling strategic business growth. Her approach emphasizes thorough preparation, strong negotiation, and the delivery of results that align with client objectives.

Melissa A. Lewis is a widely recognized leader in banking, finance, and real estate law. She has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Banking and Finance Law from 2023 through 2026 and has repeatedly appeared in DBusiness Magazine’s Top Lawyers rankings. Her early career honors include being named a Michigan Rising Star in Banking and a “Barrister of the Year” by the Detroit Bar Association. Today, clients turn to Melissa for trusted, business-focused counsel on complex banking, finance, and real estate matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Member, Bodman PLC
• Member, Detroit Bar Association
• Member, Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Michigan

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• University of Michigan Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Michigan State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges