LAWYER PROFILE
Melissa C Lesmes

Melissa C Lesmes

USA 2026

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Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Pillsbury

Practice Areas

Melissa is the head of Pillsbury’s Washington, DC Litigation group and co-leader of the firm’s Construction Counseling & Dispute Resolution practice. She focuses her practice on complex construction claims and insurance coverage disputes.

Ms. Lesmes has substantial experience in construction defect litigation, having handled claims involving delay, design, defective products, mold, EIFS and Chinese drywall throughout the United States. She also has substantial experience in complex insurance coverage litigation, especially in claims involving builder’s risk, CGL, subcontractor default, professional, pollution, commercial property, business interruption and other policies. Ms. Lesmes routinely represents clients in contract negotiations and on matters concerning insurance and risk management issues that arise outside of litigation.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Construction - District of Columbia

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Melissa Lesmes co-chairs Pillsbury's construction counseling and dispute resolution practice group. She has substantial experience in construction defect litigation as well as construction-related insurance coverage cases. She also advises on contract negotiation and risk management issues.

Insurance: Policyholder - District of Columbia

Band 4
Band 4

Individual Editorial

Melissa Lesmes is noted for her construction-focused insurance recovery and coverage practice. She fields additional expertise in environmental-related claims.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Melissa's overall expertise in the construction and insurance field is by far one of the most detailed and sophisticated in the industry. She understands her client's business objectives and always brings both expert and practical solutions to meet their needs.

    ConstructionChambers Guide to the USA
  • The way that she interacts with clients and adversaries on the other side is a good as anyone I've ever come across. She is very diplomatic and highly effective in working between the client and the other side at the highest level.

    ConstructionChambers Guide to the USA
  • I can't say enough positive things about Melissa. She is truly one of the smartest, most sophisticated and talented individuals I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

    ConstructionChambers Guide to the USA
  • Melissa has a good reputation in her niche policyholder-side construction litigation practice.

    Insurance: PolicyholderChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Pillsbury (157)

California

California: Los Angeles & Surrounds

California: Northern

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