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.
Practice areas
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
TN | Active | 2003 | 07/04/2012 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Robert W. Ritchie Award | Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | 2016 |
2016 Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2016 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
Top 40 Under 40 | Top 100 Trial Attorneys | 2014 |
Rising Star 2014 | Super Lawyers | 2013 |
Distinguished Alumni Award | Cumberland University | 2013 |
Shining Star Workhouse Award | Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | 2012 |
Rising Star 2013 Award | Super Lawyers - Family Law | 2012 |
Williams F. Blews Award | Steson University College of Law | 2001 |
Raymond Cleveland Award for Excellence in Social Science | Cumberland University | 1999 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Frank Lannom Law Group | 2018 - Present |
Associate General Counsel | Lannom & Williams, PLLC | 2003 - Present |
Adjunct Professor Criminal & Constitutional Law | Cumberland University | 2006 - 2017 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Legislative Committee Co-Chair and Board Member | 2010 - Present |
Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility | Hearing Committee Member | 2010 - Present |
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates | Board Member | 2008 - Present |
Wilson County Court Appointed Special Advocates Board | Board of Directors | 2006 - Present |
Rotary Club | Breakfast Rotary Club Wilson County | 2004 - Present |
Tennessee Bar Association | Member | 2003 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
TACDL's Legislative Update From The Hill | Changes In Laws Governing DUI, Crime Free School Zones, Juvenile Sex Offender Registries and Pre-Trial Diversions | 2012 |
The People's Voice | Our Constitution Under Attack? | 2011 |
For The Defense (TACDL) | G. Frank Lannom & Melanie R. Bean, Medical Records and Constitutional Rights, For the Defense. Vol. 20, Number 1 | 2005 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Stetson University College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2003 |
Cumberland University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2000 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Annual Conference | Moderator | 2014 |
Legislative Review & Case Update CLE | Moderator | 2012 |
Legislative Review | Moderator | 2011 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Denial of Petition to Increase Alimony | Client did not have to pay additional alimony |
DCS v. Macon County Father | Dismissal of the Department's petition and immediate return of Equal Time with Daughter. |
DCS v. Wilson County Mother | DCS to remove client’s children for her home. Mother and children were immediately reunited based upon Melanie’s representation. |
Attempted 1st Degree Murder (Class A Felony) | No jail time for client. |
State v. Harris, 2007 WL 324449 (Tenn. Crim. App. November 5, 2007) |
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Andrew Nutt, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 28, 2017
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
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.
Donnavon Vasek, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 4, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Andrew Nutt, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 28, 2017
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
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.
Donnavon Vasek, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 4, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Amanda Gentry, General practice Attorney on Aug 31, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Tyler Whitaker, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 5, 2015
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
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.
Thomas Maynard, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Patti Garner, Unknown Attorney on Jan 1, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Daniel Mcmurtry, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 30, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer, she is excellent in her approach of a case. She goes to great lengths to work for her clients.
Bryan Stephenson, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 17, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
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