Melissa Osborne

2022 Candidate: State House — 16th District

Why I serve? I serve because democracy isn’t a spectator sport. I want an effective town government that reflects our values, and I want to keep Simsbury’s future bright. I have the professional and legal and experience to contribute to shaping Simsbury’s land use growth and change (which is inevitable) in a way that preserves Simsbury’s history and sense of place, while mindfully supporting and building on opportunities for smart housing diversity and economic growth.

Past or present Boards/Commissions/Volunteer work: Clean Energy Task Force; Charter Revision Commission

Employment History: After graduating from law school, I clerked at the New York State Court of Appeals and then worked for large corporate law firms (such as Weil Gotshal in NYC and Dechert here in Hartford) with a concentration in corprate and private equity real estate. In 2009 I hung my own shingle and worked part time for several years while I raised my children.  I now run my own practice in Avon full-time where I focus primarily on family law.

Education: Hunter College, B.S. in Poli Sci; New York Law School, J.D., magma cum laude

Why I love Simsbury: I love all of the outdoor recreational opportunities - hiking, biking and the river - and I love how many people here give their time and are involved in making Simsbury the community it is.

Fun Fact: I’m a direct descendant of the first woman to step off the Mayflower, Mary Chilton.