Melissa Kwitko is an associate in the Tampa office of JP Firm, where she focuses her practice on white collar criminal defense, complex civil litigation, and federal investigations. Melissa represents clients in both state and federal courts, achieving favorable outcomes through strategic litigation and negotiation. She has been practicing white-collar and criminal defense since 2020, working alongside Partner Todd Foster on high-stakes matters.
Melissa has played a key role in multiple successful trial teams, including securing full acquittals in a federal wire fraud case involving charitable organizations and in a high-profile state case defending a young accountant accused of vehicular homicide. She also advocates for clients in cases involving alleged PPP and EIDL loan fraud, firearms violations, and federal conspiracies, often avoiding charges or minimizing penalties short of trial.
A graduate of Michigan State University College of Law (cum laude), Melissa served as a student clinician in the award-winning Immigration Clinic and received the Jurisprudence Achievement Award for her exceptional advocacy. She also interned with public defender offices in both Michigan and Florida, reinforcing her commitment to client-centered defense. Prior to law school, Melissa earned her degree in Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, graduating magna cum laude and receiving departmental honors for highest academic achievement.