Liz Mellem is the managing shareholder of Parsons' Missoula office and a skilled litigator. Her experience with an array of complex commercial issues, including significant employment counseling and litigation, helps guide her clients toward effective and satisfactory resolutions both in and out of court.
Capabilities
Biography
Liz Mellem represents companies in a wide range of employment and commercial issues including:
- Trade secret misappropriation claims
- Sexual harassment investigations
- Employee wrongful termination claims
- Ownership disputes
- Breach of contract claims
Liz focuses on creating innovative business solutions for her clients and zealously advocates for their interests from the beginning of a matter through resolution, including through trial.
An original member of Parsons Behle & Latimer’s COVID-19 Response Team, Liz has been active since the onset of COVID-19 guiding her clients and the firm through the shifting landscape caused by the global pandemic and the related unique business and employment circumstances. Every business is being conducted differently in recent times, and Liz’s practice is no exception. She holds the distinction of being lead counsel on the first virtual federal trial in Utah, conducted remotely through an online platform.
Liz has spent much of her career representing clients in both Utah and Montana by traveling between the two states. She is the managing shareholder of Parsons’ Missoula office and is active in the local running and biking communities in Missoula.
Experience
Nonsolicitation or Noncompete Contracts
Successfully resolved numerous cases alleging violations of non-solicitation and non-competition contract provisions.
Employee Handbooks
Worked with both large and small companies to revise and improve employee handbooks.
Wrongful Termination
Successfully defended company in alleged wrongful termination case.
Accomplishments
Academic
University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law (2010, J.D.)
Montana State University (2004, B.S.) Major: Sociology
Professional
Admissions:
Utah State Bar, 2010
United States District Court, District of Utah, 2010
State Bar of Montana, 2013
United States District Court, District of Montana, 2014
Mountain States Super Lawyers Rising Star: 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020
Associations
Professional
Utah State Bar Labor & Employment Section
Chair
(2017 - 2018)
American Bar Association
Member
(2010 - Present)
Community
Humane Society of Western Montana
Board of Directors
Member
(2017 - present)
President of Board
(2020 - present)
Run Wild Missoula
Member
(2013 - present)
Insights
Articles
New COVID Relief Statute: Second Round of PPP Loans, Extension of FFCRA Leave Rights, and Tax Code Changes
Montana Face Coverings Mandates
Montana Civil Cases Can Resume, But With Significant Restrictions
Strategies on acing the SBA’s new PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
Beware the Whistleblower: Avoiding Fraud Liability under the PPP
Montana’s Employers Can Open for Business – Sort Of
Re-opening for Business: Employers Should Begin Planning Now
Top Nine Takeaways from New FFCRA Regulations
Additional Guidance from the Department of Labor Including the Frequently Asked Question: “What is the ‘small business exemption’ under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act?
Montana’s “Stay at Home” Directive from Governor Bullock
CARES ACT: Emergency Appropriations
Emerging Questions For Employers Under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act And Other Coronavirus Employment Issues
Parental Leave Policies – What to Know and What to Consider
Presentations
Hot Employment Topics Session #2
Hot Employment Topics Session #1
Hot Employment Topics Session #2
Hot Employment Topics Session #1
COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace: Mandatory, Voluntary or None at All
Remote Working Considerations in the ERA of COVID-19
Strategies on Acing the SBA's New PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
Back in Business: Information Every Idaho Employer Should Know
Moving Forward: Resuming Business in a Changed Environment
Credentials
Licensed
Utah
U.S. Dist. Court, Dist. of Utah
Montana
U.S. Dist. Court, Dist. of Montana
Education
University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law
