About Melanie
Melanie C. Lockett is a prominent civil litigator and board-certified Family Law Specialist at Lowe, Stein, Hoffman, Allweiss & Hauver, L.L.P., located at 701 Poydras Street, Suite 3600, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She joined the Louisiana State Bar in 2006, starting a distinguished legal career. Her practice encompasses many areas, including family law, insurance coverage and defense, commercial litigation, and employment law. With a focus on family law, Melanie handles cases involving divorce, child custody, and support, demonstrating her commitment to advocating for her clients' best interests. Melanie earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Loyola University School of Law in 2006. Before pursuing her legal education, she obtained a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) from Tulane University in 1997 and a Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) from Boston University in 1993.
This diverse educational background reflects her multifaceted approach to law and her ability to connect with clients from various walks of life. Prior to her legal career, she taught music in the New Orleans Public School system and at Xavier University, where she developed her communication skills and developed a understanding of the community she serves. Her legal experience is extensive. Melanie has litigated cases in both Louisiana state and federal courts, showcasing her versatility and competence in navigating complex legal fields. She has also successfully appealed cases to the Louisiana Courts of Appeal and the Louisiana Supreme Court, further solidifying her reputation as a skilled advocate. Prior to her tenure at Lowe, Stein, Hoffman, Allweiss & Hauver, L.L.P., she served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle of the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, gaining invaluable insights into the judicial process. In addition to her legal practice, Melanie is actively involved in various professional organizations. She has made significant contributions to the Defense Research Institute (DRI), where she serves as Vice Chair of the Insurance Law Committee and is a member of the DRI Law Institute. In 2021, she chaired the DRI Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium, demonstrating her leadership within the legal community. Furthermore, she is a Steering Committee Member on DRI's Diversity Committee, advocating for inclusivity within the profession. Melanie's commitment to the legal community extends beyond her practice. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the Claims & Litigation Management Alliance, and the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel.
Her leadership roles include serving as Chair of the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization and Chair of the New Orleans Bar Association’s Minorities in the Law Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, A.P. Tureaud Inn of Court, and the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society. Through her various roles, Melanie continues to make a lasting impact on the legal profession in Louisiana.
