Haynes Boone Expands New York Advertising Legal Team
The firm adds a new partner to advise businesses on Federal Trade Commission investigations and consumer protection laws.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Advertising
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Haynes Boone has added Holly Melton as a partner to its New York office, where she will focus on advertising disputes and regulatory compliance. Melton joins the firm from Crowell & Moring to strengthen the legal team advising companies on consumer protection laws.
Why it matters
As companies face increased scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, adding specialized counsel helps firms navigate the complexities of advertising and brand protection. This hire signals a strategic focus on expanding regulatory expertise in the firm's second-largest office.
Holly Melton is the sixth partner added to the New York office in 2026. The firm currently employs more than 750 lawyers across 21 global offices.
The players
Holly Melton
A legal partner specializing in advertising disputes, regulatory investigations, and consumer protection compliance who previously co-chaired the Advertising and Brand Protection Group at Crowell & Moring.
Haynes Boone
A large international law firm employing over 750 lawyers across 21 offices that provides corporate, regulatory, and litigation legal services.
The details
Melton advises clients on advertising disputes, regulatory investigations, and compliance with federal and state consumer protection laws. Her work involves representing companies in enforcement actions brought by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, providing a defense layer for brands facing increased regulatory pressure.
Timeline
2026: Holly Melton joined the Haynes Boone New York office as a partner.
Market Landscape
The hiring of a specialist in consumer protection laws follows a trend of increased enforcement of Federal Trade Commission consumer protection regulations. Firms are responding to this environment by bolstering their bench strength to help businesses navigate rigorous federal and state oversight.
Operators in sectors sensitive to consumer protection oversight should review their current compliance posture regarding federal and state advertising regulations. Engaging specialized counsel for regulatory investigations remains a primary risk mitigation strategy as enforcement priorities shift.
The takeaway
The addition of specialized regulatory counsel reflects the high stakes for businesses facing investigations by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general. Operators should audit their internal compliance documentation to ensure that advertising claims remain defensible under current state and federal standards.
Further reading
For additional context on legal developments impacting marketing and brand strategy, see Advertising.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Globallegalchronicle.
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