How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a legal case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melissa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Melissa offer a free consultation?

Melissa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office. Some legal attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.

How long do legal cases in District of Columbia typically take?

Simple legal matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Melissa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside Washington?

Melissa is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Melissa will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Melissa?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Melissa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Melissa accepting new legal clients right now?

Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Melissa Lim — Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 24 years of legal practice

AttorneyatJones Day

Washington, DC

Practicing law in Washington since 2002.

24+: Years practicing
4: Bar admissions

Are you Melissa Lim?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Melissa Lim is an attorney based in Washington, DC. Melissa has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 24 years
Known for: legal services

Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Biography

Melissa Lim, legal attorney serving Washington

Melissa Lim is an attorney based in Washington, DC. Melissa has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Melissa works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on legal matters across the region.

Melissa Lim is a lawyer. Melissa received a B.A. degree from University of Illinois in 1996, and has been licensed for 24 years. Melissa practices at Jones Day in Washington, DC.

The kind of cases Melissa takes

Melissa reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Melissa studied and practices

DePaul University
J.D. · 2002
University of Illinois
B.A. · 1996

Jurisdictions

Melissa's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
2014 · ACTIVE
Maryland
2013 · ACTIVE
Florida
2003 · ACTIVE
Illinois
2002 · ACTIVE

Melissa studied at J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in University of Illinois.

Law school and academic background

Melissa completed J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in University of Illinois. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Melissa runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Melissa Lim's office in Washington

Melissa's primary office is at 51 Louisiana Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC, 20001-2113. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Jones Day

51 Louisiana Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20001-2113

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Melissa Lim

Melissa has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Melissa Lim — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new legal attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Melissa usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Melissa charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Melissa will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a legal attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many legal matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Melissa

Melissa discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in legal practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every legal matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Melissa confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Melissa's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many legal practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Melissa Lim

How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a legal case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melissa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Melissa offer a free consultation?
Melissa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office. Some legal attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.
How long do legal cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple legal matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Melissa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Melissa is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Melissa will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Melissa?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Melissa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Melissa accepting new legal clients right now?
Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.