Melanie Matamoros Cruz

Melanie Matamoros Cruz is an associate attorney at the Tampa office for Ogletree Deakins. Cruz’s litigation practice focuses on representing public and private sector employers in employment litigation matters. Cruz has defended lawsuits under numerous federal and state lawsuits such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Florida Public Whistle-blower Act.

Cruz has also assisted clients with charges of discrimination before federal and state agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Florida Commission of Human Relations, and the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs. Cruz also has experience specific to agricultural clients and has assisted clients with investigations and audits conducted by the Department of Labor, and investigations and appeals by the Florida Highway Patrol under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Prior to joining Ogletree Deakins, Cruz worked as an associate attorney for a boutique management employment and labor law firm that specialized in defending public sector clients. Consequently, she is sensitive to the unique employment issues that pertain to public sector employment.

Cruz is a Double Gator. She holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law where she received the Dean’s Scholarship (50% paid tuition). She also graduated from the University of Florida, cum laude.

When not practicing, she enjoys running alongside Bayshore Blvd., listening to podcasts, and is an avid movie-goer.