About me
Melinda Fithen is the Litigation Director and a member of the Civil Rights Practice Group at Empire Justice Center. Melinda directs and advances the organization’s mission through impact litigation and provides technical assistance, co-counseling, training and strategic support to staff on litigation and systemic advocacy as well as emerging legal advocacy approaches. Melinda also represents clients directly in class actions and individual cases in various civil rights matters, including discrimination in schools, LGBTQ+ rights, and disability rights.
Prior to joining Empire Justice Center, Melinda worked in private practice handling a broad array of complex civil matters in state and federal courts nationwide. During that time, Melinda’s pro bono and volunteer contributions included service on the Executive Committee of the Board of TurnAround, Inc., Baltimore’s rape crisis center and service provider to survivors of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence; pro bono representation of minor children in immigration proceedings with Kids in Need of Defense (KIND); development and pro bono work for Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service; and service as a Wingman for Athletes Serving Athletes.
Melinda is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.
