Liz M. Mellem, located in Parsons’ Missoula, Montana office, has been named one of 19 women attorneys across the globe to be awarded the 2025 TerraLex Trailblazer Award. Mellem was chosen by TerraLex’s Women’s Committee and its co-chairs for her “outstanding contributions and commitment to inspiring, innovating, and paying it forward for others,” and will be honored by TerraLex during Women’s History Month this March.
Mellem says, ““I am honored to be recognized with this group of incredible women. I am proud of Parsons’ history of supporting and encouraging women as they advance their careers. And I am grateful for the excellent mentorship I have received that has empowered me to do the same for others.”
TerraLex says the initiative aims to celebrate individuals like each of the 19 honorees who go above and beyond to make a difference. According to TerraLex, the winners’ relentless pursuit of excellence and willingness to support and uplift others truly embody the spirit of TerraLex.
Mellem has been a driving force for Parsons’ growth in Montana, where, within the past five years, the firm has grown from one attorney to 15 to serve its Montana-based clients and the rapidly growing business environment in the state.
In the local Missoula community, Mellem has also assisted in the growth and support of local businesses since 2023 by serving as a board member for the Missoula Economic Partnership. In 2024, she was elected secretary of the Board.
Her fellow attorneys testify to her generous professional nature and advocacy. Parsons’ litigation and bankruptcy attorney Brian M. Rothschild says, “Liz sees the whole picture. She is a fierce litigator, a great partner and a good friend. She is unselfish with her partners, sharing her time and expertise. Now, as a pioneer and leader in our Montana offices as well as a board member of the larger firm, we all benefit from her thoughtful approach. If you want to know how to do something better, ask Liz.”
Fellow attorney Christina M. Jepson, a senior-level shareholder in Parsons’ employment and labor practice says, “In 2024, Liz was one of the lead lawyers in a three-week trial in federal court in the United States. This was not an ordinary team – it was an all-woman team, which included six women lawyers and two women paralegals. Liz empowers the women around her. She always made sure every woman on this unique team always had a voice.”
“Liz was the catalyst for Parsons’ expansion into Montana” says Chief Business Development Officer Jason Castor. “Since relocating her practice from Utah to Montana, her vision, commitment and dedication to successfully expanding the firm’s operations in the state to serve our existing clients and create new client opportunities cannot be understated. Liz’s ability to build community partnerships in the legal, business and non-profit sectors; recruit exceptional lawyers and business professionals; and lead our Montana practice through every phase of its growth to date has been essential to Parsons’ success in the market.”
Parsons congratulates Liz Mellem on this outstanding honor and thanks her for her leadership and dedication to growing and strengthening the firm.
