Senior Attorney for Department of Children and Families – Serving Florida’s Most Vulnerable
Melissa Zierden is a 25-year attorney with a prior career in law enforcement. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University while working in public service for FDLE and later the Dept. of Insurance. Melissa left her position as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst to attend Stetson University College of Law where she received her law degree.
Throughout her career, Melissa developed an interest in leadership. At Stetson, she served as the Student Body President and the American Bar Association voted the her student government #1 in the United States. At graduation, the faculty honored her with the Walter Mann Leadership Award.
After serving as Assistant State Attorney for Florida’s 6th Judicial Circuit, she spent almost 20 years as an insurance defense attorney dedicated to handling fraudulent insurance claims on behalf of insurers where she is considered a pioneer in the industry. She utilized her experience as a criminal intelligence analyst to consult with insurers on their major fraud ring cases and is a court certified expert in several areas. In 2009, she served as President of the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators.
Melissa comes from a long line of dedicated public servants and, after taking two years off from full-time lawyering, decided it was time to return to public service and use her legal skills to help make a difference. Working with DCF, its Child Protection Division, the Court and many DCF’s partners Melissa is honored to work with amazing colleagues to protect Florida’s most vulnerable, the children.
Melissa enjoys horsing and tennis. She is a dedicated wife to her husband, a detective with the State Fire Marshal’s Office; and a proud mother to their two children Miranda (17) and Brett (15).
1300 S. Duncan Dr. 353, Tavares, FL 32778 | 352-409-8904 Melissa.Zierden@myflfamilies.com
