Melanie Gray, a partner since 1989, concentrates her practice in complex commercial litigation with expertise in bankruptcy, energy, and employment litigation.
- Widely respected for successfully managing multi-firm litigation for maximum client benefit
- Exceptionally skilled in crisis management in high-pressure, high-visibility cases
- Successfully litigated complex disputes in leading chapter 11 cases of the past 20 years
- Experienced in litigating complicated valuation disputes involving energy contracts
- Well-versed in employment issues under Texas law
Melanie Gray specializes in complex commercial litigation and is the co-chair of the firm’s Bankruptcy Litigation practice. She has invaluable court room experience and has been a significant advisor to companies who find themselves facing “bet the company” litigation risks or financial distress.
Ms. Gray began practicing law in 1981 in Chicago. She moved to Houston and joined Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in 1985, when the firm opened its Houston office. Shortly after joining the firm in 1985, Ms. Gray took the role as lead attorney in a major insurance litigation involving over $30 million. Named a partner in the firm in 1989, Ms. Gray has represented a variety of corporations and major banks, as well as publicly held debtors, secured creditors and court-appointed trustees. In the course of this work, Ms. Gray has developed particular expertise in the analysis and litigation of forward contracts, swaps and other derivatives, and the treatment of such contacts in bankruptcy.
Ms. Gray was deeply involved in the firm’s representation of Enron in its Chapter 11 case. Her crisis management skills served her well in coordinating the multitude of attorneys and firms working for Enron. In addition to managing a case of this complexity, Ms. Gray is also one of the lead attorneys in Enron’s more than thirty lawsuits seeking to recover more than $1 billion due to Enron under various trading contracts.
Ms. Gray works to find creative and cooperative solutions that maximize the client’s objectives while minimizing litigation risk. She is recognized both as an effective diplomat and a forceful advocate when agreement is not possible.
Ms. Gray’s advocacy and personal skills have earned her the respect of the judiciary, co-counsel and opposing counsel. Clients appreciate her case management skills, and she is known for smooth coordination of complex cases requiring diverse teams of lawyers in different practice areas.
Ms. Gray has successfully argued several appeals before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Her skill at reasoned argument and her professionalism have earned her a place among the most highly respected women in her field in Houston and a sought after lecturer on legal topics.
Ms. Gray is a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, a member of the Houston Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the College of the State Bar of Texas. She is a member and Chair of the Interdisciplinary Committee on Law and Accounting, 1991-1992, a Life Member of the Texas Women Lawyers and a Board Member, Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts. She is also a Barrister, A.A. of the White American Inn of Court.
Ms. Gray is a Trustee of Syracuse University and an Executive Committee Member of Syracuse University College of Law. She is a Board Member of Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas, Board Member of Greater Houston Community Foundation and Executive Board Member of the Society for the Performing Arts and serves on the national board of Girls Inc. She is the Conference Organizer and Moderator of The Myth of Superwoman: Life Choices and Challenges –2001. Ms. Gray is a Former Board Member and Former President of Girls Incorporated of Greater Houston. She is also a Former Board Member of the Texas American Civil Liberties Union, The Plaza Club, Bo’s Place, the Texas Accountants & Lawyers for the Arts and The Children’s Fund.