Melody Fitzgerel

Melody Fitzgerel: An Experienced Advocate for Injured Clients Melody is a dedicated personal injury attorney with a unique blend of experience in both insurance defense and plaintiff advocacy. Her career began at a prominent defense law firm, where she worked closely with insurance companies, gaining valuable insights into how claims are evaluated, contracts are analyzed, and cases are assessed by insurance adjusters. This knowledge now serves as a powerful asset in her mission to advocate for individuals who have been injured due to negligence. Melody’s decision to transition from representing corporations to fighting for injured clients was fueled by her passion for helping people navigate the complexities of personal injury law. Her experience in wrongful death, car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, and premises liability cases gives her a well-rounded perspective and the ability to anticipate and counter the tactics used by insurance companies. A Strong Foundation in Litigation and Legal Strategy Melody’s legal journey began during her time at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) School of Law, where she honed her litigation skills both in and out of the classroom. As a competitor on the UMKC Mock Trial Team, she gained valuable courtroom experience and developed a strong foundation in trial advocacy. In addition to her academic achievements, Melody gained hands-on experience through judicial internships that further shaped her understanding of the legal system. She served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Stephen R. Bough in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, where she gained firsthand exposure to federal court procedures and case management. She also interned for the Honorable Jeffrey L. Bushur in the 16th Circuit of Jackson County, Missouri, where she refined her analytical skills and deepened her understanding of trial preparation. Melody’s commitment to excellence extended to her role as a staff member for the UMKC Law Review, where she developed her legal writing and editing skills—an essential component of her success in complex litigation matters. Transition to Plaintiff Advocacy After gaining extensive experience working on behalf of insurance companies, Melody recognized a calling to make a greater impact by representing individuals whose lives had been disrupted by unforeseen accidents. Her background in insurance defense equips her with the ability to anticipate defense strategies, giving her an advantage when advocating for her clients. Melody uses her knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate cases to help people who need strong representation. She believes fighting for clients who have been wronged is not just a profession —it’s a mission. Life Outside the Law When Melody isn’t working tirelessly for her clients, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, son, and two beloved dogs. Whether she’s traveling to new destinations, hiking in nature, or attending film festivals, Melody values opportunities to recharge and create lasting memories with her family. Her passion for exploring different cultures and perspectives translates into her work, where she approaches each case with empathy, dedication, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients. A Passion for Justice, A Commitment to Clients Melody’s personal and professional experiences have shaped her into an attorney who is not only skilled in the nuances of personal injury law but also deeply invested in her clients’ well-being. She believes in treating every client with compassion and respect, ensuring that they feel empowered and informed throughout the legal process.

• Injury & Disability Attorney

• Honorable Stephen R. Bough in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Judicial Intern
• Honorable Jeffrey L. Bushur in the 16th Circuit of Jackson County, Missouri, Intern