Melissa Jean Whitney
Of CounselAbout
Melissa Whitney represents pharmaceutical, medical device, and other life sciences companies in a variety of regulatory, compliance, and product liability matters. Prior to practicing law, she received a Ph.D. in Biostatistics, where her research focused on the analysis of toxicology, clinical trial, and epidemiological data. Melissa’s training allows her to evaluate scientific evidence and helps her foster strong working relationships with in-house medical teams and other regulatory and science professionals.
CourtsUnited States District Court for the Southern District of New York
EXPERIENCE
Melissa’s practice includes:
- Working with in-house and co-outside counsel as a member of national scientific and expert teams in a number of multidistrict litigations
- Assessing product liability litigations risks related to clinical data, adverse event reporting, and promotional practices for global pharmaceutical clients
- Reviewing labeling, advertising, promotional materials, and product claims for drugs and devices
Education
- Ph.D., Biostatistics, Harvard University
- J.D., Boston College Law School, summa cum laude
B.S., Public Health, University of North Carolina
B.A., German, University of North Carolina
Publications
Prior Experience
In addition to her work with DLA Piper, Melissa previously worked at the Federal Judicial Center, the education and research agency of the United States federal courts. She also served as a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and Bridgetown, Barbados.
