Melissa Roeder, Of Counsel at Sinars Slowikowski Tomaska’s Seattle office, is a high heel wearing, motorcycle riding, trial attorney. She is the chair of the firm's cannabis practice group and delivers effective and practical solutions in the fields of cannabis/marijuana law, asbestos, benzene and toxic torts.

Before becoming a lawyer, Melissa worked as a Alaska commercial fisherman and grew-up on the family farm in a town of 500 people in southwest Minnesota. These experiences shaped Melissa’s character, work ethic and grit from childhood forward.

​Career achievements include being selected as one of the Top 100 Women Lawyers in Washington State, a “Super Lawyer" since 2012, a “Rising Star" from 2008-2011 and the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL) Outstanding Litigation Associate in 2008.

"Cannabis 101: The Growth of the Industry and Future Predictions." Claims and Litigation Management Alliance CLE Webinar. (2021)

"Cannabis Law", The Art of Adjusting. Vlog. (2021)

Cannabis, Arkansas Defense Bar. (2021)

"Cannabis It's Growing Like a Weed!" Insurance Accounting and Systems Association CE Webinar. (2021)

"Vaping Liability and Litigation"  Defense Research Institute Seminar. Presentation (2021)

"Cannabis Insurance: The Blossoming Weed," Casualty Actuarial Society. Presentation. (2020)

“Product Liability Issues Facing Growing Cannabis Industry" Claims and Litigation Management Alliance. Cannabis, Environmental, Insurance Fraud, Property, Subrogation, Claims & Litigation Conference. Presentation. (2020)

Chair, Marijuana Seminar, Defense Research Institute. (2018)

Chair, Marijuana Seminar, Defense Research Institute  (2019)

“Toxicology: What Is It and How Do You Utilize a Toxicologist on the Stand," Marijuana Seminar, Defense Research Institute  (2018)

“Cannabis Product Liability Litigation: How to Prepare and Defend Cases," Louisiana Defense Bar (2018)

Vice Chair, Marijuana Seminar, Defense Research Institute (2017)

Vice Chair, Defense Research Institute Annual Convention Committee (2017)