skip to main content
Melinda Thompson

Overview

Melinda L. Thompson, a partner at the firm, concentrates her practice in the areas of government investigations and criminal defense.  A seasoned trial attorney, Ms. Thompson represents private individuals and companies during all phases of the criminal justice process, including the pre-charging investigation stages, throughout grand jury proceedings, and at trials in state and federal court.

Ms. Thompson started her career a prosecutor in the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office where she participated in many homicide investigations and trials.  She investigated numerous major felonies, including murder, both at the scene and in grand jury proceedings, and tried dozens of Superior Court cases, including armed robbery, armed assault, rape, and murder.

As a prosecutor, Ms. Thompson was committed to prosecuting those responsible for crime while seeking justice for all those involved in the criminal proceedings.  She was known as a prosecutor who sought the truth at every stage of the investigation, court hearings and trials.

Ms. Thompson has successfully litigated trials and appeals in state and federal courts. She has obtained numerous alternative resolutions and dismissals on behalf of her clients.  Ms. Thompson represents a broad variety of clients including executives undergoing internal investigations, professionals under investigation for alleged corruption, and individuals charged with serious felonies including tax fraud, structuring, mortgage fraud, and violent felonies including sexual assault.  Ms. Thompson also represents students under investigation for school and college disciplinary proceedings at every stage of the investigation and appeal.

One of Ms. Thompson’s notable achievements is the high-profile “Irish Nanny” case where after over two years of litigation, she persuaded the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to change its findings regarding the cause of death of the child. The medical examiner changed the cause of death from homicide by shaken baby syndrome to "undetermined," prompting the Middlesex District Attorney's office to dismiss the murder charge against Aisling Brady McCarthy.

Experience

  • Todd & Weld LLP, 2011-present
  • Middlesex District Attorney's Office, 2004-2011
  • Sally & Fitch LLP, 2002-2004
  • Law Clerk to the Justices of the Superior Court, 2001-2002

Credentials

Education

  • Maurer School of Law at Indiana University, Bloomington (2001)
  • Williams College (B.A., 1998)

Bar Admissions

  • Massachusetts
  • U.S. District Court, Massachusetts
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit

Professional Activities

  • Member, Boston Bar Association Criminal Justice Reform Working Group (2017)
  • Massachusetts Bar Association
  • Boston Bar Association
  • Women's Bar Association

Publications/Presentations

  • Panelist, WBA's "Path to First Chair Litigation: How to Take the Lead in Criminal Litigation," (2018)
  • Panelist, WBA's Women in the Courtroom Committee "For Associates Only: A Frank Discussion"  (2015)

Honors and Awards

  • Named to Best Lawyers in America for Criminal Defense: White Collar, 2019-present
  • Named to Massachusetts Super Lawyers for Criminal Defense,  2015-present
  • Named “Lawyer of the Year” in 2015 by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
  • Thomas F. Reilly Trial Team Award – Presented to a member of the Middlesex District Attorney's Office who demonstrates a superior standard of courtroom excellence by speaking for those with no voices through her trial work
  • Massachusetts District Attorney's Association Spotlight Award – Recognizes an Assistant District Attorney who demonstrates excellence, spirit, and professionalism in her duties and responsibilities.