Melissa A. Ebel’s practice focuses on litigating and advising employers on a wide range of issues affecting the employment relationship. She is a member of Eastman & Smith.

Ms. Ebel practices in the areas of labor, employment, workers' compensation and education law.  She has experience representing employers before administrative agencies such as the EEOC, OCRC, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and various state and federal courts.  She regularly defends against claims involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Title VII, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and various state discrimination laws.  Additionally, she advises employers on day-to-day employment decisions, personnel policies and handbooks.   Ms. Ebel also represents both self-insured and state fund employers in workers’ compensation hearings before the Industrial Commission and subsequent appeals. 

Ms. Ebel also practices in the area of general and special education law.  She advises clients regarding a variety of school law matters including special education, student discipline, and public records and open meetings requirements. 

Prior to earning her law degree, Ms. Ebel obtained bachelor degrees in French and education.

Experience

Melissa A. Ebel's practice covers the range of employment issues, including:

• Appellate Practice
• Disability Accommodation & Leaves of Absence
• Discrimination & Harassment
• Education
• Hiring, Performance Management & Termination
• Litigation & Trial
• Policies & Procedures (Handbooks)
• Retaliation & Whistleblowing
• Training & Compliance
• Wage & Hour
• Workers' Compensation

Community/Professional Affiliations

• Central Ohio Self-Insurers Association
• Children's Mentoring Connection (board of directors president, 2023)
• Columbus Bar Association
• Indiana State Bar Association
• Northwest Ohio Self-Insurers Association
• Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys
• Ohio Self-Insurers Association
• Ohio State Bar Association
• Toledo Bar Association

Honors & Awards

Ms. Ebel is a Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Star (2017 - 2020) and found in Best Lawyers^®: Ones to Watch in America (2024 - Present).  It encompasses attorneys who show “outstanding professional excellence.”

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