Melissa Reynolds O’Dea

Melissa Reynolds O’Dea is an attorney with Kozak & Gayer in Augusta, Maine who advises health care organizations and other regulated clients on compliance, employment, contracts, licensing, privacy, and administrative law. Her practice also includes business formations, real estate issues, and other operational matters that arise in health care and regulated industries. The work requires careful attention to the governing law, factual record, deadlines, and practical consequences for the client.

O’Dea earned a J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law in 1996 and a B.A., magna cum laude with Presidential Honors, in International Affairs from the University of Maine in 1993. Her academic background supports a practice involving regulation, government process, contracts, policy, and organizational decision making. This background supports careful analysis, clear writing, and practical problem solving in matters involving health care compliance, employment, contracts, licensing, privacy, and administrative law.

O’Dea previously spent twelve years with the Maine Attorney General’s Office and has handled significant administrative and appellate matters, including work connected to the Rowe litigation before the United States Supreme Court. Her current practice includes HIPAA and data privacy, employment issues, contracts, licensing, and compliance counseling. Across these matters, O’Dea evaluates the legal and factual issues that shape strategy, negotiation, and the available path toward resolution.

Melissa Reynolds O’Dea brings government and private-practice experience to organizations managing regulated operations and employment relationships. Her work focuses on helping clients understand legal requirements, prepare contracts and policies, respond to agency issues, and address compliance risks before they become larger disputes. This approach keeps legal strategy connected to the client’s practical objectives and the specific demands of each matter.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Kozak & Gayer, P.A.
• Member, Maine State Bar Association
• Member, Colorado Bar Association

Licensed State

• Maine
• Colorado

Education

• University of Maine School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Maine
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges