Melanie R. Bean

MELANIE R. BEAN is an active member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Fifteenth Judicial District Bar Association.  She currently serves as Chair of the Legislative Committee for the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  

Melanie focuses her practice in trial litigation. She primarily defends individuals accused of crimes, litigates family law issues of divorce and custody, and handles appellate matters related to the same. Melanie also has renowned experience defending petitions filed by the Department of Children’s Services as a result of abuse allegations in conjunction with the criminal case. She has also successfully defended individuals indicated by the Department of Children’s Services and appealing such matters through the administrative procedures division and to Chancery Court.

Melanie is committed to helping people both through her legal career and through her service to the community. She is a member of the Lebanon Breakfast Rotary Club, and serves on the board of directors for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Melanie is a proud supporter of CASA who provides a voice for abused and neglected children in the legal system. While at Stetson University, Melanie regularly volunteered at local elementary schools tutoring and mentoring children.  Melanie also serves as an adjunct professor to Cumberland University teaching constitutional law and criminal law to students.

She received her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida. At Stetson, Melanie was honored with the Williams F. Blews Award for her Pro Bono service and was recognized for service to the Community in Pinellas County, Florida, by virtue of her participation in the public defender clinic.

She received her Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree from Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee. At Cumberland, Melanie was honored with the Raymond Cleveland Award for Excellence in Social Science.

Melanie currently resides in Lebanon, Tennessee, with her husband, David Jennings.