Melissa A. Yasinow, Appellate Attorney in Columbus, Ohio
focused on Appellate and SSD
AssociateatBalin Law, LLC
Columbus, OH
Trusted appellate attorney serving Columbus.
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Quick answer
Melissa A. Yasinow is an associate based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate and SSD. Currently practicing at Balin Law, LLC.
- Based in
- Columbus, OH
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Appellate · SSD
- Handles Appellate and SSD matters from Columbus, OH.
About Melissa A. Yasinow: Melissa A. Yasinow is an associate based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate and SSD. Currently practicing at Balin Law, LLC.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Melissa takes on
Melissa concentrates on appellate and ssd. Each area below outlines the kind of case Melissa handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate cases in Columbus, Ohio
Melissa takes appellate matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.
SSD cases in Columbus, Ohio
Melissa takes ssd matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Melissa A. Yasinow — appellate lawyer in Columbus
Melissa A. Yasinow is an associate based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate and SSD. Currently practicing at Balin Law, LLC.
Professional Interests
Melissa Yasinow is a fierce advocate for her clients in all legal settings. Trained as a litigator, Melissa has successfully represented students in all manner of disciplinary proceedings across Ohio and the United States. Melissa’s experience includes defending students in Title IX investigations as well as proceedings concerning student misconduct, professionalism, and academic integrity. Her years of litigation experience complement Balin Law’s Social Security Disability practice, helping her to assess SSDI/SSI cases and other claims on behalf of our clients.
Melissa is particularly proud of her work defending students with disabilities, including Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Melissa’s experience includes:
• Successfully appealed a fourth-year medical student’s dismissal from an Ohio public university for alleged academic underperformance.
• Successfully defended an Ohio high school senior in a Title IX investigation after he had been suspended without due process.
• Successfully defended a college senior against claims of sexual misconduct at a private college in New York.
• Successfully resolved a sexual misconduct case at a New Jersey public university where both students had Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Successfully defended a pre-med student at a private Ohio university accused of cheating on a physics exam.
• Successfully resolved a disciplinary matter ensuring that an Ohio high school sophomore could return to school and the soccer team after a mental health crisis.
• Successfully appealed the suspension of an Ohio public university student from his pharmacy program after the university failed to provide mandatory due process.
• Successfully appealed a sexual misconduct ruling against a rising senior at a public Indiana university.
• Successfully resolved a disciplinary matter for a high school student after private writings were circulated without his knowledge or consent by former friends.
Melissa is also proud to help individuals with disabilities in all legal settings, including before Social Security.
Civic Involvement
Melissa previously served as a Councilmember and Vice Mayor in the City of Cleveland Heights. When Melissa first joined Cleveland Heights City Council, she was the youngest ever elected official in the city’s history.
Melissa completed Ladder Down Cleveland (Class of 2021), Cleveland Bridge Builders (Class of 2019) and the Mandel Leadership Symposium (Class of 2017). She is also a past Board Member of the Anti-Defamation League in Cleveland.
Melissa is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.
Honors & Awards
Melissa was recognized as a Top Rated Attorney 3 years in a row, making the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2019, 2020, and 2021; an honor granted to no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in the state.
Named one of the “Most Interesting People” by Cleveland Magazine in 2018 and “12 Under 36: Member of the Tribe,” by the Cleveland Jewish News in 2018.
Recipient of a Fulbright Grant to the Republic of Korea where she represented American interests from 2006 to 2007.
How Melissa handles appellate matters
Professional Interests Melissa Yasinow is a fierce advocate for her clients in all legal settings. Trained as a litigator, Melissa has successfully represented students in all manner of disciplinary proceedings across Ohio and the United States. Melissa’s experience includes defending students in Title IX investigations as well as proceedings concerning student misconduct, professionalism, and…
Who Melissa represents
Melissa reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate and ssd matters in Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D. magna cum laude, Order of the Coif
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Mount Holyoke College
B.A. · 2006
Melissa studied at — in Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D. magna cum laude, Order of the Coif and B.A. in Mount Holyoke College.
Law school and academic background
Melissa completed — in Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D. magna cum laude, Order of the Coif and B.A. in Mount Holyoke College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Melissa runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Melissa A. Yasinow's office in Columbus
Melissa's primary office is at 500 S Front Street, Suite 1200 B, Columbus, OH, 43215. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Melissa A. Yasinow
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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Melissa A. Yasinow — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Columbus, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Melissa A. Yasinow
How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple appellate 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 Columbus?
Melissa is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio 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 appellate clients right now?
Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio
Melissa handles appellate matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Ohio
If Melissa's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Columbus handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
