Melissa G. Hawk

Melissa Hawk grew up in Southwestern Michigan and moved to Fort Wayne in 2001 after graduating from Valparaiso University School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Indiana, as well as the federal courts of the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana. Mrs. Hawk began her civil litigation career in the casualty insurance industry. After taking time off to raise a family, she returned to a regular general civil practice, involved in civil litigation, municipal law, contract litigation, personal injury and guardianships. Mrs. Hawk has significant experience in civil litigation and insurance defense, having practiced primarily in that area for much of her career.

Mrs. Hawk is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and Allen County Bar Association and has previously served on various committees and participated in local service projects. She is actively involved at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School, serving in various capacities, including currently serving on the School Board, the Athletic Booster board and as a volunteer coach.

Areas of Practice:

• General Civil Litigation

• Insurance Defense

• Guardianships

• Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning and Litigation

• Personal Injury

• Municipal Law

Bar Admissions:

• State of Indiana

• U.S. District Court- Northern District of Indiana

• U.S. District Court- Southern District of Indiana

• U.S. Bankruptcy Court- Northern District of Indiana

• U.S. Bankruptcy Court- Southern District of Indiana

Education:

• Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana

  • Juris Doctorate (Senior Honors), 2001

• Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan

  • Bachelor of Arts (Cum Laude), Political Science/ Criminal Justice, 1997

• Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, Michigan

  • Associate of Arts, 1995

Honors and Awards:

• Indiana Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2009

• Lake Michigan College Alumni Achievement Award, 2002

• Lake Michigan College, Female Honors Athlete, 1995

Professional Association and Memberships:

• Indiana State Bar Association

• Allen County Bar Association

Pro Bono/Service Activities:

• St.Paul’s Lutheran Church and School

  • Board of Elementary Education, 2010-Present;

    • Secretary, 2010-Present;

    • Marketing Committee, 2010-Present;

  • Athletic Booster Board, 2016- Present;

  • Founder and Chairman of Run Bears Run Program, 2012-2020;

  • Volunteer Coach, 2007, 2018-2021;

  • Fundraising Auction Co-Chair, 2014, 2015:

• Various Community Service Activities:

  • Bible Study Fellowship Children’s Leader, 2015-2018;

  • Fort4Fitness Kids Marathon Committee, 2014-2018;

  • Upwards Coach, 2016;

  • St.Joseph Soccer Coach, 2015, 2016;

  • YMCA Basketball Coach, 2014;

• Allen County Bar Association Activities:

  • Membership Committee Vice Chair, 2003-2008;

  • Public Relations Committee, 2005;

  • Young Lawyers Section, Law Day Participant, 2004;