On March 19, 2025, the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers presented Attorney Ramos with the Hines Burnham Award. The award is given in recognition of exceptional service, skill and innovation in the defense of the accused by an attorney practicing for ten years or less. Melissa has recently either been lead or second chair in cases that resulted in the overturning of a second-degree murder conviction, a jury verdict of manslaughter where the defendant was charged with first-degree murder, and the entering of a not guilty finding on appeal of a conviction for a restraining order violation. She also recently helped two clients convicted of extremely serious offenses successfully petition for parole. The Hines-Burnham Award is named for two trailblazing African-American women criminal defense lawyers who advanced the profession and excelled for their clients. Attorney Ramos is the continuation of that proud tradition.