About Benjamin P.
Benjamin P. Melnick grew up studying law from classroom theory to courtroom practice. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington State University’s Pullman campus, then went on to Gonzaga University School of Law where he completed his legal training. Those years established the foundation for a career spent working on both sides of contested matters.
After law school he took a law clerk position in 2012 at Richter-Wimberley. The clerkship gave him hands-on time with case preparation, filings and courtroom procedure. He moved into private practice the following year as an associate at Harlan Law Office. That role exposed him to client counseling, discovery and trial preparation under the supervision of more senior attorneys.
Melnick holds licenses in both Washington and Oregon. He has maintained an active membership in the Washington State Bar Association since 2013 and is an active participant in local bar life. Over the years he has joined a mix of professional groups. Those memberships include the Washington State Association for Justice, Campaign For Equal Justice, the Oregon State Bar Association (2019–present), the Clark County Bar Association (2013–present), and earlier terms in the American Association for Justice and the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Those affiliations reflect a lawyer who has moved through different parts of the profession. He has worked in environments that handle civil justice issues and has also been connected to criminal defense circles. That variety shows in his approach to casework: attentive to procedure, careful with evidence, and focused on delivering steady representation for clients across state lines.
Today Melnick practices at Schauermann Thayer. He is based in the firm’s office and handles matters that require courtroom experience and familiarity with practice in both Washington and Oregon. Colleagues describe him as methodical and straightforward in how he prepares files and communicates with clients.
He continues to take part in bar activities and local legal organizations while maintaining his license status as active. He currently focuses his practice on representation of clients in matters that arise in Washington and Oregon courts.
