Email address
[email protected]Contact number
1.412.355.8385Share profile
Band 1
Provided by 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
Duquesne University School of Law
J.D.
1997
Duquesne University
B.A.
1994
Provided by Chambers
Melissa Tea leads K&L Gates' global litigation and dispute resolution practice. She frequently represents clients in a variety of breach of contract and product liability disputes, among others.
Provided by Chambers
Melissa is an excellent oral advocate who is very effective in the courtroom. She also produces great written work product.
Melissa is a very capable litigator in complex matters. She is intelligent, quick and resourceful.
Melissa is an excellent oral advocate who is very effective in the courtroom. She also produces great written work product.
Melissa is a very capable litigator in complex matters. She is intelligent, quick and resourceful.