Melissa Tea

Melissa Tea is a partner, member of the firm’s Management Committee, and the lead practice area leader of the global Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice at K&L Gates, as well as a highly regarded trial lawyer and strategic adviser to clients. She represents public and private companies across the manufacturing, technology, aerospace, specialty chemicals, and consumer products industries, helping clients identify, mitigate, and resolve complex business risks and disputes. Melissa counsels clients on enterprise-wide risk management and efficiently resolves disputes through negotiated settlements, mediations, arbitrations, and trials. She also serves as national coordinating counsel for clients facing recurring and nationwide litigation, with particular experience in mass tort, product liability, and class action defense.

Melissa has extensive experience guiding clients on contract disputes, supply chain issues, force majeure claims, ESG-related litigation, business torts, insurance coverage, and construction disputes. She has developed innovative, cost-effective defense strategies tailored to the needs of companies facing complex and recurring claims. A frequent speaker and author on topics such as ESG litigation, corporate governance, and emerging risks, she is recognized as both a skilled advocate in the courtroom and a trusted business partner to senior leadership teams.

Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

Board of Directors, 2017-present

Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, 2021-2025

Executive Committee member, 2019-2025

Governance Committee Chair, 2019-2021

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Government Relations & Advocacy Committee, 2016-2024

United Way of Allegheny County

Emerging Leaders Tocqueville Committee, 2018-2021

Women's Leadership Council, 2012-present

The Executive Women of Pittsburgh, Founding Member, 2017-2020

Pittsburgh CLO, Board of Directors, 2014-2017

Pittsburgh Business Times C-Suite Award Winner, 2024

Most Powerful and Influential Women Award, National Diversity Council, 2018

Firm Service

Management Committee

Lead Practice Area Leader, Litigation, 2019-present

Advisory Council, 2019-2025

Chair, Associate Development Committee, 2017-2019

Women in the Profession Committee, 2013-2022

Chair, K&L Gates Public Interest Fellowship Program, 2011-2016

"Exploring opportunities, trends and risks in the manufacturing industry: Q&A with women leaders at K&L Gates LLP," Pittsburgh Business Times, 1 August 2023