Melissa L. Romero

Biography

Cases

• Won a complete victory following a four-day arbitration for one of the nation's largest beauty and wellness franchisors, which was accused of franchise disclosure violations, violations of unfair competition laws, and breach of contract. WTO also successfully countersued for breach of contract and trade secret misappropriation, obtained preliminary and permanent injunctions, recovered liquidated damages, and secured an award of attorneys' fees and costs.
• Mills v. FCA US, LLC (D. Colo. Jan. 12, 2023) - Won partial summary judgment and dismissal of a strict product liability claim brought against a national automobile manufacturer (WTO's client) based on unsupported allegations of a defect in the client's design of its vehicle's occupant restraint system.
• Won a directed verdict on a former senior bank executive's Colorado Wage Claim Act claim and voluntary dismissal of defamation and punitive damages claims for a large regional bank the night before closing arguments after four-plus years of litigation.
• Torberson v. BOKF NA (D. Colo. Aug. 5, 2021 ) - Won complete summary judgment of all seven claims brought against our client in an employment matter involving unsupported allegations of wrongful termination, retaliation, and age discrimination.
• Fitness Together Franchise, L.L.C. v. EM Fitness, L.L.C. (D. Colo. Oct. 16, 2020 ) - Won a preliminary injunction for one of the nation's largest health and wellness franchisors against three competing fitness and nutrition studios that had stolen our client's trade secrets, infringed on its trademarks, and breached non-compete obligations.
• Won complete administrative closure of removal proceedings, allowing WTO's asylum client and her minor son to remain in the United States with work authorization, indefinitely.
• Won two preliminary injunctions in arbitration proceedings involving theft of trade secrets and breach of contract.
• Successfully defended a real estate professional and obtained a favorable settlement in breach of contract and fraudulent misrepresentation action involving over $50 million in claimed damages.
• Settled a breach of contract case on favorable terms, reducing the client's payment to just 12% of the plaintiff's original demand.
• Obtained a favorable defense settlement in a medical malpractice case following the first few days of a jury trial. Handled numerous aspects of trial including witness prep, depositions, and jury instructions.
• Drafted pleadings, dispositive motions, and mediation statements for a professional malpractice case that resulted in a favorable settlement for WTO's clients.
• Represented an appliance manufacturer in a product liability class action that settled favorably.
• Represented clients pro bono in asylum and breach of contract proceedings.
• Serving as advisory counsel in numerous high-stakes commercial proceedings, including involving breach of contract, trade secret misappropriation, and patent litigation.

Publications & Speaking Engagements

• "The Use of Court Appointed Experts and Masters in Civil Cases," Co-Author, 46 Colo. Law. 1, (January 2017).
• "Making Space for Cultural Differences in Child Welfare," 38 NACC: Guardian 6, (August 2016).
• "Connick v. Thompson: Forsaking Constitutional Due Process for Fear of Flooding Litigation and Loss of Municipal Autonomy," 89 DENV. U.L. REV. 771, (December 2012).

Other Experience

Legal Memberships, Activities, and Honors

Teaching Positions