Kutak Rock is pleased to welcome Melissa VanSickle as a transition partner in its Tallahassee office. As a Florida Bar Board Certified Real Estate Attorney with more than 20 years’ experience, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge in commercial real estate law that will enable the firm to grow its presence in Florida and also provide immediate value to existing firm clients with Florida real estate needs.

Melissa has extensive experience advising developers on multifamily, mixed use, and ground lease projects. Over the past two years she has played a key role in closing more than $1 billion in real estate transactions. Her practice also includes serving as general counsel for a public entity, handling real estate and contract matters for buyers and sellers, and facilitating economic incentive agreements and other business collaborations.

Beyond her legal work, Melissa is active in the legal and business communities. She has served as the Second Judicial Circuit Representative on the Florida Bar Board of Governors since 2014 and has held leadership roles with the Tallahassee Bar Association and Leadership Tallahassee. Melissa contributes significant time to the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program in a pro bono capacity and also previously taught as an adjunct professor at the Florida State University College of Law, sharing her knowledge of real estate law with the next generation of attorneys.

“We are excited to welcome Melissa to Kutak Rock,” said Debra Thompson, regional managing partner for Tallahassee. “Her deep understanding of commercial real estate law and commitment to client service make her a tremendous asset to our team and our clients.”

Melissa earned her J.D. from the Florida State University College of Law and her B.S. in biological science from Florida State University. She is admitted to practice in Florida.