Melissa Bondy concentrates her practice in the areas of education law in both Pre-K to 12 and higher education settings. Her practice has an emphasis on the complex and highly regulated disability law/special education environment, Title IX compliance, education policy, student discipline, and public and student record concerns. She represents public school districts, private colleges and universities, and other public entities.

Melissa prides herself on her unique approach to solving clients' issues and counseling clients to resolve special education disputes arising under the IDEIA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which includes attendance at IEP meetings, resolution sessions and mediations. She is a frequent speaker on issues related to disability and staff compliance for both school districts and institutions of higher education. Melissa regularly represents educational entities before the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, defending Section 504, Title IX, ADA, and Title IV claims of discrimination.

Melissa has a great deal of experience in advising educational entities on Title IX compliance, including conducting investigations, serving as a decision-maker, and reviewing policy and procedures. She has also provided significant Title IX training and served on a team that developed templates and model forms for Title IX compliance.

Melissa is a former Staff Attorney to Judge William M. Young of the Twelfth District Ohio Court of Appeals. Melissa is also a former board member of ROX (Ruling Our eXperiences), a non-profit that provides educational programming for girls to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to live healthy, independent, and violence-free lives.

Education

University of Notre Dame (J.D., 1996)

The Ohio State University (B.A., summa cum laude, 1993)

Distinctions

Honoree, Who’s Who in Latino Columbus, 2016

Listed, The Best Lawyers in America® – Education Law (2025)

Professional Activities

Commissioner, Grandview Heights Civil Service Commission, 2018-2020

Member, The Ohio State University Early Head Start Partnership Board, 2015 to present

Former Board Member, Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) Board of Directors, 2013 to 2021; Secretary, 2014 to 2016

Former Participant, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio Project Mentor Program

Former President, Board of Directors, Amethyst, Inc.

News

Resource Centers

Speaking Engagements

Publications