Main Office:

Post Office Box 3300
Tampa, FL 33601

Phone: 813.272.1400

Melissa J. Knight

Associate
813-272-1400
mknight@sponslerbennett.com

Melissa Knight earned her bachelor of arts degree, magna cum laude, from Stetson University in 2001. Upon her graduation, Ms. Knight received Stetson’s highest honor, the Etter McTeer Turner Award, for her outstanding scholarship, community service, and leadership. Ms. Knight received her Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she received a Book Award in Legal Drafting, as well as Honors in Legal Research & Writing and Juvenile Law Clinic. She participated as a member of the Jessup International Moot Court Team, served as President of the John Marshall Bar Association, and in her third year, was a Student of the Year Finalist.

While in law school, Ms. Knight served as a civil extern for the Honorable Ysleta McDonald of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Family & Civil Justice Center and was a James C. Adkins Jr. Inn of Court Pupil. In her last year of law school, Ms. Knight was certified by the Florida Supreme Court to practice law as a Certified Legal Intern for the Gator Team Child Juvenile Law Clinic, where she represented juveniles in dependency and delinquency matters. Ms. Knight is a member of Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa Society, and Delta Delta Delta Fraternity, as well as a lifetime member of the University of Florida Alumni Network.

Practice Focus:

Workers' Compensation Defense

Immigration

Professional and Community Involvement:

Ms. Knight served as a Natural Resources Management and Youth Development Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras, Central America, from 2001 - 2004. Upon completion of her service in the Peace Corps, Ms. Knight taught elementary ESOL students with Brevard County Public Schools. Ms. Knight will continue her commitment to community youth development through pro bono work with the Gulf Coast Legal Services, Inc. Children’s Immigration Project and the Hillsborough County Family Justice Center.

Representive Engagements:

Represented Corporate Employer to obtain Permanent Labor Certification.

Represented Corporate Employer to obtain Employment Based Immigration Visas.

Represented Employer to ensure Hiring Practices were and are in compliance with Immigration Laws.

Represented Individual in Immigration and Customs Enforcement Hearing.

Represented Individual in Post Conviction Relief Process.

Represented Families to obtain Immigration Visas & Permanent Residency.

Represented Families in Naturalization Process.