Biography
Melissa G. Powers is an associate practicing general business and transactional law in the Corporate Department of Lewis Rice.
In her cybersecurity and data privacy practice, Melissa is dedicated to safeguarding organizations’ data by providing strategic counsel that addresses evolving security threats and ensures compliance with industry regulations. Melissa helps businesses mitigate risks associated with collecting and sharing data, advises on best practices for data management and incident preparedness, and provides support when cyber incidents occur. Her experience also includes designing and implementing a variety of privacy and security programs that help companies comply with evolving global regulations.
In addition, Melissa works with clients on mergers and acquisitions, negotiating deal documents, conducting due diligence reviews, and managing data room administration. In her advertising, promotions and social media practice, she counsels on contests and sweepstakes, advertising campaigns, rights of publicity, privacy, trademarks, and intellectual property.
Melissa is a member of the Firm's Recruiting Committee.
Practice Areas
- Data Protection
- Cyber Liability Insurance
- U.S. State Privacy Laws
- Information Technology
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Advertising, Promotions & Social Media
- Intellectual Property
- Design & Luxury
Education
- Saint Louis University School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2018)
- Executive editor, Saint Louis University Law Journal
- Academic Excellence Awards: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Introduction to Business Entity Taxation
- Student Bar Association
- 1843 Scholar; ALI-CLE Scholarship and Leadership Award
- Saint Louis University (B.S., magna cum laude, 2015)
- Vice Presidential Scholarship; Dean's List; Pre-Law Scholar; Cook Business Scholar
- Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society
- Phi Alpha Delta, Pre-Law Fraternity
- Amicus Curiae, Pre-Law Society
Honors & Awards
- 2023-2024 Missouri & Kansas Rising Star®, noted as an attorney to watch
- 2022 Women's Justice Award, Innovation & Technology category
Legal Background
- Corporate counsel extern, Ameren Corporation (Spring 2018)
- Summer associate, Lewis Rice LLC (2016, 2017)
- Student legal intern, Saint Louis University School of Law Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic (Fall 2016)
Professional Affiliations
- Pathfinder, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (2025)
- Young Friends of Legal Services, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
- KnowledgeNet Chapter Chair, St. Louis Chapter, International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) (2020-2021)
- Young Privacy Professional Leader, St. Louis Chapter, International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) (2019)
- Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis
Admissions
- Missouri Bar
Charitable & Civic Activities
- Treasurer and Director, Momentum Academy Charter Schools
Firm Committees
- Recruiting Committee
Certifications
- Certified Information Privacy Professional - United States (CIPP/US)
