Melissa Morse Shirley is a partner in the Baton Rouge office of Breazeale Sachse, where she has practiced since 2002. As manager of the firm’s Labor and Employment Law team, Melissa brings extensive experience helping employers navigate the complexities of employment law.
Melissa represents a broad range of clients, with particular depth in the healthcare sector. Her practice includes compliance counseling, administrative proceedings, and transactional support, giving clients both practical guidance and strong advocacy. She has defended public and private employers in matters involving Title VII, the ADA, PWFA, FMLA, FLSA, ERISA, and the U.S. Constitution. Her depth of knowledge also includes state-specific employment laws, including wage payment provisions, whistleblower protections, pregnancy accommodation requirements, background check regulations, noncompete restrictions, and a myriad of other statutes unique to Louisiana.
In her traditional labor practice, Melissa regularly advises clients on issues under the National Labor Relations Act, particularly with respect to unfair labor practice charges alleging wrongful or retaliatory discharge, and designing customized union avoidance and compliance programs.
Believing that prevention is the best protection, Melissa partners with employers proactively to reduce legal risk. She counsels clients extensively on day-to-day Human Resources and personnel issues, drafts workplace policies and employee handbooks, conducts compliance audits, and leads management training sessions designed to strengthen workplace practices.
Melissa is also committed to mentoring and developing legal talent. She served for many years on the firm’s Recruiting Committee and previously held the role of Recruiting Partner. Since 2024, she has served as Breazeale Sachse’s General Counsel.
