Melissa Waugh

Melissa Waugh is an attorney with Belkowitz Law, PLLC, whose practice is devoted to special education law. She represents parents of children with disabilities in individualized education program meetings, mediation, administrative due process hearings, and state and federal litigation. Her work addresses rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. She helps families navigate disputes about appropriate educational services and school obligations.

Melissa earned a B.A.A.S. from the University of North Texas in 1994, graduating cum laude with studies in biology, chemistry, and physics. She received a J.D. cum laude from the University of Houston Law Center in 2000 and an M.P.H. from the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2007. Her combined legal and public health education informs her work where educational policy, disability rights, and student needs overlap.

Melissa previously practiced at Vinson & Elkins and operated the Law Office of Melissa K. Waugh, PC, from 2011 through 2018. She has also served as president and chief executive officer of Elcare Innovations. In her current practice, she assists families with federal and state complaints, school meetings, litigation, and appeals. This work requires close attention to school records, procedural protections, educational decisions, and remedies available through disability-related laws.

Melissa Waugh is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, as well as the federal district courts for both Virginia districts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. She has presented on legal strategies for parents pursuing special education claims. Her practice concentrates on helping families understand complex procedures and advocate for educational supports required by law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Belkowitz Law, PLLC
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association
• Member, District of Columbia Bar

Licensed State

• Virginia
• Maryland
• District of Columbia

Education

• University of Houston Law Center
  Juris Doctor (JD) (Cum Laude)
• University of Texas-Health Science Center
  Master of Public Health (MPH)
• University of North Texas
  B.A.A.S. (biology, chemistry & physics) (Cum Laude)

Awards & Badges