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With over two decades of experience at Hankey Marks & Crider, Melissa A. Davidson has established herself as a formidable litigator in the realms of personal injury and disability law.
Melissa’s legal career is built on a foundation of psychology and public service. Her prior experience with the Indiana Department of Family and Children provided her with a “boots-on-the-ground” understanding of the challenges her clients face—knowledge she now uses to dismantle the bureaucratic hurdles of Social Security and insurance carriers.
Since joining Hankey Marks & Crider in 2000, Melissa has channeled that same protective instinct into her legal practice. Whether she is navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability and ERISA or fighting for the injured in personal injury cases, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her years in social services.
A seasoned trial attorney, Melissa is a frequent presence in both State and Federal Courts. While she is licensed in Indiana, her reputation for disability advocacy often takes her to Federal Courts across the country.
Outside the Courtroom, when she isn’t in trial, Melissa is likely seeking inspiration in the outdoors. An avid painter, hiker, and angler, she splits her time between Indiana and Florida to ensure she stays active (and near the water) year-round.
6
Practice Areas
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
25%-33%
State: Indiana
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
429 E Vermont St #200, Indianapolis, IN, 46202
hankeylawoffice.com/about/melissa-a-davidson/
Other places you can find Melissa online.
9 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Advocacy
Posted by Carrie | February 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Disability Hearing
Melissa was excellent in my disability hearing, especially considering the judge I had a extremely low approval rate. She stood her ground to fight for my case. Yes I had only met with her once before the hearing but it was only necessary to meet once before to review my case. She is very knowledgeab...
Thank you for the feedback! When attorneys and clients work together, great things can happen!
Posted by Jerry | August 10, 2014
Great Lawyer that knows her stuff and works for a great firm!
Melissa Davidson helped me with swift effort on her part. She was tenacious in getting my denial reversed in a super timely manner. These people here don't mess around. Melissa will fight to win your case. Communication was excellent. Highly recommend her!
Posted by anonymous | February 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Social security disability stage 4 rare cancer denied
I hired through Hanky law. I only met the lawyer 5 minutes before the hiring. At the hiring the govenments job witness testified that I could not work any job and my case was still denied. Face disfigured from stage 4 no cure cancer, left jaw bone and teeth removed, upper roof of my mouth removed, ca...
We encourage all clients to meet in person with their lawyer at least 30 days before a hearing. We understand that that is not always possible. Additionally, there are sometimes circumstances beyond our control or rules that are inflexible that prevent an award of disability benefits.
"I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgeable, cares about her clients, and is passionate about her work."
Workers compensation lawyer
Employment and labor lawyer
2026
Silver Client Champion® Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Selected to Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
N/A
10.0 Justia Lawyer Rating, Justia
2021 - Present
Senior Attorney, Hankey Marks & Crider
2004 - 2005
Editor, Indiana University School of Law
2000 - 2021
Managing Partner, Hankey Law Office
1998 - 2000
Investigator for Child Protective Services, State of Indiana
2022 - Present
National Organization of Veterans' AdvocatesMember
2006 - Present
National Organization of Social Security Claimants RepresentativesMember
2006 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Reversed and remanded to State Court
Ruling allowing plaintiff discovery outside the administrative record on ERISA plan.
2005
JD
1996
BA - Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
2016
Injury-Related Claims with a Focus on Social Security Disability, Personal Injury, and Long-Term Disability Benefits
2014
Mental Health (topic not further specified)
2014
2009
Disability Benefits and Mental Health Conditions
2004
English
Legal Answers
I hit a pedestrian with my car. He was running into the road and he had marijuana on him
24 Jun 2014
I don't have joint custody of my kids but I need a copy if their social security card and birth certificate/. My ex will not
05 Feb 2014