MELANIE R. FINLEY

Associate

Overview

Melanie Finley assists clients with many different litigation issues and legal disputes.

Melanie brings significant experience to the firm, having worked for a number of years in the Minnesota court system. During law school, she developed her trial support skills in the Anoka County Attorney’s Office, and before that, she spent several years as a court clerk in Anoka County. As a litigation attorney at Dougherty Molenda, she draws on her extensive background in the court system every day.

With her first-hand experience in the judicial system, Melanie counsels with practical solutions, whether it’s helping clients with simple legal questions or navigating more complex litigation challenges.

At Dougherty Molenda, Melanie assists clients in a wide variety of litigation matters, including the following:

  • Appeals

  • Business Torts and Unfair Competition

  • Commercial Litigation

  • Conciliation Court

  • Construction Defects

  • Contract Disputes

  • Debt Collection

  • Defamation

  • Evictions

  • Manufacturing Disputes

  • Real Estate

  • Shareholder Litigation

  • Trade Secret Misappropriation

  • Unemployment Benefits Appeals

Practices

  • The litigation attorneys at DMSHB handle large and small disputes for individuals and for commercial clients of varying sizes. Our litigation attorneys have been successful in obtaining favorable results for clients at both the trial and appellate levels.

    Learn More About Our Litigation Practice

  • Commercial litigation is a broad term that generally encompasses all business conflicts. We routinely litigate commercial matters for our clients in state and federal courts.

    Learn More About Our Commercial Litigation Practice

  • Our attorneys understand the complexities of eviction law in Minnesota, including the unique requirements of different counties. We help landlords enforce lease terms, manage eviction actions on short notice, and ensure a prompt restoration of property possession. Our firm also provides post-eviction advice on issues like security deposits and property left behind by tenants.

    Learn More about Our Evictions Practice

  • At Dougherty Molenda, we provide dedicated legal support for individuals needing to obtain or defend against harassment restraining orders (HROs) to protect against ongoing abuse, threats, and harassment. Our comprehensive services include filing HROs, representing clients in court, offering consultations to develop tailored strategies, and providing ongoing support for enforcement.

    Learn More About Our Harassment Restraining Order Practice

Credentials

  • Mitchell Hamline School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, J.D.

    Harrison College, B.S.

    Major: Criminal Justice

    University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

    Metro State University, B.A.

    Major: Ethics and Civic Responsibility

  • Minnesota

  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Member

    Dakota County Bar Association, Member

  • Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce

    Redemption Road Animal Rescue, Volunteer

    Midwest Animal Rescue & Services, Volunteer