Melanie D. Fenwick Thompson

Melanie D. Fenwick Thompson is a native of Baltimore, attended Bucknell University and received her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a minor in Dance.  She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, since 1994.  After playing Division I basketball at Bucknell for one season, she was then accepted into the dance program.  Melanie worked in corporate America for two years and entered the University of Baltimore, School of Law in 1996.

In 1999, Melanie graduated from law school and accepted a position as an Associate Lawyer with the Law Offices of Monica E. Ewing (“MEE”), an Entertainment Law firm.   Entertainment Law was approximately 95% of MEE’s practice area, which allowed Melanie to gain a wealth of experience in filing trademarks and copyrights, negotiating and drafting recording agreements, producer agreements, management agreements and a host of other entertainment-related agreements.  In January, 2004, Fenwick Thompson & Associates opened in Downtown Decatur and the practice areas were expanded to include Family and Juvenile Law.

Melanie is licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia, the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, the United States District Court (Northern District of Georgia) and the United States Court of Appeals (11th Circuit).  Melanie is also a member of the Entertainment and Family Law sections of the Georgia State Bar and has been a member of these sections for over 13 years years.  She has been trained as a Guardian Ad Litem and has completed the National Institute for Trial Advocacy Child Advocacy Skills. Melanie participated as a panelist at the attorney training for conflict attorneys and Guardian Ad Litems, “Representing the Child-Client in Deprivation Matters,” and other panels for attorneys and students.

In Family Law related matters, Melanie represents mothers and fathers in highly contested custody, divorce, child support, modifications of exiting Orders and other domestic related matters. As a Juvenile Law Practitioner, Melanie focuses on reunification of families once DHR has removed a child from the home; protecting the rights of parents or legal guardians and children.  In some cases, Melanie has represented grandparents seeking to exercise visitation rights or custody.  Although the outcome in any case can never be guaranteed, Melanie’s commitment to each case is met with sensitivity and legal expertise.

In 2007, Melanie was appointed by Judge Vincent C. Crawford to facilitate and approve new attorneys for the DeKalb County Juvenile Court appointed list.  Melanie is a resource for these new attorneys transitioning into private practice by providing guidance, advice on cases, and law firm management. Melanie served in this role for 5 years.

Melanie has a wealth of legal expertise to offer her clients but she is also personable in her approach to family and entertainment clients.  As a mother, Melanie can relate to personal family issues. As for her personal experience in the entertainment industry, Melanie participated in local fashion runway and hair shows and she was cast as an extra in Baltimore-based television series and movies, “Homicide” and “Hairspray”.   During her years as an Associate Lawyer, Melanie continued modeling and dancing in Atlanta.  Eventually, she was featured in a full page print ad in a nationally recognized hair magazine.

Melanie strives to empower individuals and colleagues through her passion for law and stressing the importance of, “People First”. At Fenwick Thompson & Associates you are not just another client, you’re like family.