At Priori, we know that today’s in-house legal teams need flexible legal talent who not only bring deep subject matter expertise but also understand what it means to sit in the client’s seat.
In this edition of our Provider Spotlight series, we’re featuring Melissa Green—who goes by Mel—a former Big Law attorney turned in-house counsel with nearly two decades of experience advising businesses from inside the organization.
Mel shares how her business-first approach helps her plug into in-house teams quickly, deliver practical guidance, and bring real value to clients across industries like healthcare, aviation, and consulting.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your legal background and how your practice has evolved over the years?
Mel: I started my legal career at a firm in Cincinnati. I wanted more of a middle market so I went to a firm in Cincinnati and worked in the corporate department with a focus on general corporate work and health law.
I had the opportunity to be seconded to GE Aviation, supporting their new engine sales team in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and their indirect and direct sourcing teams. That experience completely changed the trajectory of my career. It’s when I fell in love with working in-house: it was fast paced, global, and I was deeply connected to the business from the minute I walked in the door.
You had risk, finance, sales, but the deal didn’t go forward unless the lawyer was in the room. That was where I really began to form my partnership with my business colleagues. I wanted to absorb all of their business knowledge.
From there, I transitioned back into healthcare law. I held in-house roles at MedStar, University of Maryland Medical System, The Chartis Group, and the American Medical Association. That experience built the foundation for the kind of legal partner that I am today.
In 2022, I made the decision to open my own firm full-time, where I now offer solopreneurs and small business owners ongoing legal support through monthly membership services and flat-fee based, general legal services that support each stage of their business. I also provide freelance engagements supporting both in-house teams and law firms. My client base is diverse, ranging from solopreneurs to enterprise legal departments.
Everything I do is about relieving friction for my business clients. I show up today as a business thinker first, and a legal partner second. I know what in-house teams need—because I’ve been one.
Q: Are there any career milestones or experiences you’re especially proud of?
Mel: There are two milestones that stand out. Back in 2013, I was in a role doing everything I had set out to do—until the day that I was told by my manager that out of everything I had done in the previous year, he couldn’t think of anything that was helpful to him.
When I hung up, I was first angry but by the time I walked home, I had made the decision to leave. The day I left was the beginning of choosing myself. That choice set the tone for everything that followed—I’ve built a career based on intention, integrity, and work that aligns with my values.
The second milestone came more recently, in April 2023, when I launched Contracts to Grow, my contract template store. I took everything I’ve learned over two decades of practicing law and packaged it into something affordable, accessible, and genuinely helpful for small business owners and solopreneurs. It’s been one of my proudest entrepreneurial achievements so far.
Q: What do you think enterprise clients value most about working with flexible legal talent like yourself?
Mel: I’ve sat in their seat, so I know how to plug in quickly, think strategically, and deliver work that’s useful—not just technically correct. They don’t have time to explain business context over and over again. They need someone who can keep up with the pace, be flexible with changing priorities, and still deliver excellent legal work.
I cut through complexity. Whether it’s helping a business team understand what a contract really says or advising on risks without overlawyering—which is a huge pet peeve of mine—I’m here to make their lives easier, not harder. They don’t have to micromanage me because I know how to work cross-functionally, engage with executive teams, and align legal guidance with bigger business goals.
“At the end of the day, we bring clarity and speed to the table, without all the red tape—and that’s what busy in-house teams really need.”
Q: What initially drew you to Priori?
Mel: I was looking for ways to augment my law firm clients as I built my business, and I knew I wanted a practice that gave me both flexibility and meaningful work.
Priori felt like the perfect fit because of who they work with—in-house teams.
It allowed me to contribute at a high level and do it on my terms. As someone who values both my business impact and my autonomy, it was exactly what I was looking for.
Q: How has Priori impacted your professional life?
Mel: Priori has given me access to sophisticated clients doing meaningful work, without sacrificing flexibility. I’ve been able to build lasting relationships and expand my expertise while still honoring my boundaries and the kind of practice I want to build.
Q: How has Priori’s matching process helped you connect with the right types of clients or matters?
Mel: Priori does a really good job matching. The clients I’ve worked with have been a great fit in both legal work and working style, and I’ve had the opportunity to build real relationships within those organizations.
The quality of the matching makes it easy for me to plug in to the organizations quickly and add value right away. I’m supposed to be a value add, not a detractor. Priori does a great job with its curated platform, and so it sets both sides up for success right from the start.
Q: What kinds of clients or matters have you worked on through Priori?
Mel: All of my Priori clients have been healthcare-related, which really plays to one of my strengths. I currently support Instacart, and have since 2023, and work with a phenomenal team there. I have also worked with UHS, Hearst, and now Cardinal Health. I’ve supported these companies on everything from contract drafting and negotiations to HIPAA compliance and privacy concerns.
“Because I have such a strong background in healthcare law and have worked in multiple in-house, consulting, all types of organizations—I’m able to step into these in-house roles and offer meaningful, business-aligned support right from the beginning. So it’s been a great match for me.”
Q: Can you share an example of a matter where you made a measurable impact for a Priori client?
Mel: I think the consistency of my client relationships speaks volumes. My engagement with Instacart started in 2023 and continues to this day—it could’ve been short-term, but instead it’s evolved into an ongoing relationship where I’ve expanded my role, including work on both the vendor side and the IC Health team.
For UHS, I was able to identify areas where processes could be improved or streamlined, offering support that contributed to stronger internal systems. And my current engagement with Cardinal Health—again reflecting both the complexity of the work and the client’s confidence in my ability to deliver.
Q: What advice would you give to in-house teams considering Priori for the first time?
Mel: Don’t overthink it. Just try it. Priori takes the guesswork out of finding skilled, business-savvy legal support without big law prices or slow turnaround. The platform is built for flexibility, speed, and efficiency. You get attorneys with real experience who fit your team not just on paper, but in working style, communication, and strategy.
Whether you need help for a specific project or you just want to test the waters, Priori is a low-risk way to expand your legal bench without the hassle of a full hiring process, and without blowing your budget.
Q: What would you tell another attorney who’s thinking about joining the Priori network?
Mel: If you’re looking for a smarter, more flexible way to practice law, Priori is absolutely worth exploring. It’s a new way of working. You get to work with sophisticated clients on meaningful projects without having to build everything from scratch—and without giving up control of your schedule. For me, Priori has honored both sides of my practice: my legal expertise and my clients’ business needs.
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