Biography

Melissa Bates is the Director of Attorney Development at Jackson Walker, where she leads a dedicated team focused on the professional growth of attorneys. She understands that a legal career, while challenging, can be immensely rewarding with the right training, mentorship, and feedback. Melissa’s team leverages both internal and external knowledge to inform, coach, and guide attorneys, helping them develop a robust practice while maintaining the sense of purpose that initially drew them to the law.

Before her current role, Melissa worked with the Recruiting team at Jackson Walker. This experience provided her with a deep understanding of the skills, motivations, and characteristics that enable attorneys to thrive at the firm.

In addition to her primary responsibilities, Melissa serves on Jackson Walker’s Business Development Committee and Belonging and Inclusion Committee.

Education

B.S., magna cum laude, University of Houston