The Family Law group of Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge is pleased to welcome new associate Melissa E. Whitman. Ms. Whitman will practice domestic relations and commercial litigation in the firm's Traverse City office.

Ms. Whitman received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, and her Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee School of Law, where she was managing editor of the Virginia Capital Case Clearinghouse and authored an article for the Capital Defense Journal entitled "Communicating with Juries."

Ms. Whitman has practiced law since May 1999 and comes to Smith Haughey from the Traverse City firm of Blakeslee & Chambers, P. C. She previously worked as an associate in Denver, Colorado and has experience in commercial litigation, mergers and acquisitions, and securities law. Prior to practicing family law, she acted as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children.

Professionally, Ms. Whitman is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Grand Traverse/Leelanau/Antrim Bar Association and an inactive member of the State Bar of Colorado. Personally, she volunteers on behalf of injured and neglected animals and enjoys skiing, sewing, and Bikram yoga.