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Overview
Melany Hernandez is an associate in the firm’s Business Litigation Department, with a focus on employment litigation. She served as an intern in Henderson Franklin’s 2021 Summer Associate program, where she displayed a keen understanding and appreciation for the law. She devotes herself to seeking and studying legal remedies that will result in the most favorable outcome for her client. Melany is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts and in the Middle District of Florida.
Melany is a first-generation American born to Colombian immigrant parents who had an American dream. That dream has inspired Melany her whole life, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to help people. During her time at Florida Gulf Coast University, she realized her passion was to be a part of the American legal system. Since then, she has had the honor of working two years as the District Representative for former U.S. Congressman Francis Rooney, externing for U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli of the Middle District of Florida, and serving on the editorial board of the Fort Myers News Press representing the voice of young adults in Lee County.
Melany excelled at Stetson University College of Law, where she graduated cum laude at the top of her class and was a member of the law school’s elite Dispute Resolution Team. Her moot court team prevailed over 20 teams hailing from 13 countries in the prestigious Richard DeWitt VIS Pre-Moot Competition. Melany also served as President of the law school’s Hispanic Bar Association. As a result of her pro bono work with Gulfcoast Legal Services’ immigration department, she was named a finalist for the Florida Bar’s William Reece Smith Jr. Pro Bono Showcase. Upon graduation, Stetson recognized Melany’s contributions to its community by awarding her its Stephanie A. Vaughan Excellence in Advocacy Award, which is presented to the law student who best exemplifies commitment to excellence, in and out of the classroom, and who displays tireless dedication to achieving outstanding advocacy.
Melany was born and raised in Miami and now lives in Fort Myers, Florida. She plays guitar and has fond memories of representing Miami as part of a competitive synchronized swimming team for many years. She is fluent in Spanish.
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Professional and Civic Affiliations
Melany is a member of SHRM SWFL, the Southwest Florida chapter of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She is also a member of the Hispanic National Bar Association.