I focus my practice on trial litigation and handle a range of cases from criminal defense to complex business and family law cases. My work ethic anchors the reputation I have earned as an aggressive attorney. I am committed to quality representation of my clients, whether through contested court proceedings or through mediated solutions out of court. I maintain an appreciation for the fact that I am guiding individuals through their very personal and often challenging situations. With the assistance of my staff, managed by my Senior Paralegal Amanda Blankenship, my office is dedicated to helping others through difficult circumstances with appreciation, integrity, and strength to achieve positive results.
The description of “trial attorney” must be supported by actual experience. A successful trial or pretrial settlement begins with methodical preparation. I have prepared more than a thousand criminal, civil and family law cases for jury and bench trials that have proceeded to verdict and I have substantially participated in numerous other criminal and civil jury trials, as lead and co-counsel, which have proceeded to verdict. I have completed more than a thousand evidentiary and pre-trial hearings, as well as numerous post-trial or post-plea sentencing hearings.
I remain active in the community and in professional organizations. I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Legislative Committee for TACDL (Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers) developing and implementing strategy for legislative advocacy that will benefit all citizens. I am humbled to serve my Alma Mater, Cumberland University, as an adjunct professor teaching Constitutional and Criminal Law and hope to use this platform to instill the same ethic of hard work I have used to help people through the practice of law. It was particularly rewarding to be recognized by Cumberland University with the 2013 Distinguished Young Alumni award, considering the many deserving alumni of that school. I was appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court to serve as a Hearing Committee Member for the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility and I currently still serve in this capacity. I have been named Mid-South Super Lawyer’s “Rising Star” for the past two years, an award bestowed on me by a panel of my legal peers.
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Chat withState: Tennessee
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
137 Public Square, Lebanon, TN, 37087
541 North Mt. Juliet Road, Totty Building, 3rd Floor, Mount Juliet, TN, 37122
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Erika | May 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I highly recommend Attorney Melanie Bean!! She pushed to get results and was quick to respond during my case. Melanie reacted to change quick and strategically. Her work dynamic with Penny Kinslow, gave me a sense of security in the results they would bring. She is worth your trust and confide...
Posted by Kylie | November 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney
I would highly recommend this office to anyone seeking legal action. Melanie and her staff were very efficient and dedicated. There was never a problem communicating between myself and her team. Melanie truly listened and cared about me and my case. I can’t say enough about this wonderful office.
Posted by David | October 28, 2020 | Hired Attorney
I asked a close friend who is the best divorce attorney in Wilson County? I was told hands down Melanie Bean, she’s a fighter!!! I called her office and after my first conversation with Melanie and her Paralegal Amanda Blankenship I retained Melanie Bean and her Paralegal Amanda Blankenship to repr...
Posted by James | October 9, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Melanie Bean and her Team are simply put...Amazing! Agree with other comments that there is a reason she is rated 5 stars! Her and Michelle her paralegal are caring and professional during difficult times. Melanie is very prepared, presents her cases well, and fought aggressively for me. She educ...
Posted by anonymous | November 5, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Melanie Bean is an excellent attorney. She and her team were professional and personable throughout the entire experience of needing her services. When my husband asked for a divorce after 34 years of marriage, I didn't have a clue how to proceed. Several people told me I would save a lot of money if...
"Melanie Bean is a passionate and aggressive attorney. I am continually impressed with her dedication to defending her clients' rights. She has a broad and deep knowledge of the law and uses it to protect her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Melanie Bean is an aggressive and smart attorney who defends her clients in any situation, whether Family or Criminal law. She has foresight and an innate intelligence that she applies to each individual client's case."
"Melanie Bean is the type of trial lawyer I aspire to be. She is incredibly highly respected in the legal community and her success knows no bounds. From one workhorse to another, Bean is without a doubt the easiest trial lawyer to endorse."
"When it comes to Divorce and/or Child Custody matters, look no further. Mrs. Bean is a bulldog in the court room and has the knowledge and experience to back it up. If you are getting divorced in Wilson County hire Mrs. Bean. If you do not, hope that your former spouse didn't either."
"I have worked with Melanie Bean in the past and on several different cases. She has a clear understanding of the law and the consequences of the decisions that need to be made in representing clients."
"I endorse this lawyer, she is excellent in her approach of a case. She goes to great lengths to work for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Melanie Bean is a leader in the criminal defense lawyer community, not just in Middle TN, but statewide. She consistently sets a high bar, which fellow attorneys strive to emulate."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2016
Robert W. Ritchie Award, Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2016
2016 Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 40 Under 40, Top 100 Trial Attorneys
2013
Rising Star 2014, Super Lawyers
2013
Distinguished Alumni Award, Cumberland University
2012
Shining Star Workhouse Award, Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2012
Rising Star 2013 Award, Super Lawyers - Family Law
2001
Williams F. Blews Award, Steson University College of Law
1999
Raymond Cleveland Award for Excellence in Social Science, Cumberland University
2018 - Present
Partner, Frank Lannom Law Group
2003 - Present
Associate General Counsel, Lannom & Williams, PLLC
2006 - 2017
Adjunct Professor Criminal & Constitutional Law, Cumberland University
2010 - Present
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLegislative Committee Co-Chair and Board Member
2010 - Present
Tennessee Board of Professional ResponsibilityHearing Committee Member
2008 - Present
CASA (Court Appointed Special AdvocatesBoard Member
2006 - Present
Wilson County Court Appointed Special Advocates BoardBoard of Directors
2004 - Present
Rotary ClubBreakfast Rotary Club Wilson County
2003 - Present
Tennessee Bar AssociationMember
Client did not have to pay additional alimony
Dismissal of the Department's petition and immediate return of Equal Time with Daughter.
DCS to remove client’s children for her home. Mother and children were immediately reunited based upon Melanie’s representation.
No jail time for client.
2003
JD - Juris Doctor
2000
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2014
Moderator
2012
Moderator
2011
Moderator
2012
2011
2005
English