CREDENTIALS
Melissa grew up in Waco, Texas, and attended Texas A&M University for her undergraduate degree. As a Texas A&M student, Melissa was employed as a runner for West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, P.C. for three years. After graduating from Texas A&M, Melissa returned to Waco to attend Baylor University School of Law. Upon graduating from Baylor, Melissa returned to College Station and joined West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, P.C. as an attorney in 2018. In 2021, Melissa moved to Austin, Texas, and began practicing full-time from the Firm’s Central Austin office.
Melissa is a civil trial attorney and litigator who represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of matters. Melissa has experience representing various clients including employers/employees in employment disputes, professionals in administrative proceedings, and various companies and individuals in breach of contract disputes. Melissa also has substantial experience litigating professional injury disputes and representing lenders in foreclosure proceedings. Melissa prides herself on her ability to assist her clients through the litigation process and draws on her knowledge of multiple areas of the law to aid and advise her clients from day one until resolution.
Melissa attributes her interest in the law to her great-grandfather, the late Honorable Richard Charles Spinn, of Brenham, Texas. Judge Spinn served as the Washington County Attorney from 1935-1940 and the Washington County Judge from 1941-1954. Melissa credits her great-grandfather for inspiring her to pursue a career as a lawyer. Melissa and her family regularly spend time in Brenham, Texas at the family’s ranch originally established by her great-grandparents.
Melissa currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Philip Koelsch, and son where they attend The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Melissa is also an active member of the Junior League of Austin and recently served as a member of the 2023-2024 Austin Young Lawyers’ Association Leadership Academy.