Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce that Melissa Osio Martinez has joined the firm as a partner and managing partner of the Rio Grande Valley, Texas office. Melissa is an experienced trial attorney with a distinguished career representing some of the largest companies in Texas. She is highly regarded for her vigorous representation of construction, transportation, business, insurance, and Fortune 500 companies. Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the firm's local team.
Melissa's appointment as managing partner underscores WSHB's commitment to embedding strong local leadership and legal expertise tailored to the Rio Grande Valley. Founding Partner, Stephen Henning remarked, "In jurisdictions like the Rio Grande Valley, having professionals deeply familiar with local rules, the judiciary, and the community is indispensable. Melissa's roots in this area, combined with her outstanding legal background, make her the perfect choice to lead and expand our presence in this locale."
In her role as managing partner, Melissa highlighted the importance of local leadership, stating, "In a region as distinct as the Rio Grande Valley, it's crucial for our leadership and legal team to have a deep connection to the local community. This is my home both personally and professionally, and I understand the unique needs of clients here."
Melissa has significant experience representing defendants as lead counsel in construction defect, premises liability, wrongful death, and auto/commercial trucking cases. Melissa's legal distinctions include Rookie of the Year, Best Texas Disposition Ratio, Best Texas Trial Win Percentage, and Best Nationwide Disposition Ratio. In her early years as a Hidalgo County Assistant District Attorney, Melissa prosecuted hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases and tried cases in both county and district courts.
Outside of her legal endeavors, Melissa is deeply involved in her community serving on the McAllen Performing Arts and Convention Center Board, the Leaders in Education Assembly for the District of McAllen Committee, and as a Junior League of McAllen Sustainer. Melissa’s service on professional boards currently include Vice Chair for the State Bar of Texas Diversity in the Profession Committee, District #15 Director for the Texas Association of Defense Counsel, and the Alumni Advisory Board of Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
Melissa expressed her enthusiasm for joining WSHB and assuming the role of managing partner, saying, "I am excited to join WSHB as a partner. I am dedicated to delivering outstanding results for our clients and further strengthening WSHB's presence in my home, the Rio Grande Valley."
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over almost 500 lawyers across 41 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 40 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success +when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.