About Melissa C.
Melissa C. DiRado earned her Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 2014 after completing undergraduate studies at Albion College, where she received a B.A. in 2012 in philosophy and political science with a concentration in law, justice and society. Her academic path combined liberal arts and legal study. That background shaped an early interest in how law operates in everyday lives.
She began her legal career in public defense. In 2015 she joined the Knox County Public Defender’s Community Law Office as an assistant public defender. The role placed her in courtrooms and client interviews. She handled client counseling, pretrial work and trial preparation. Those years provided repeated practice in criminal defense and sharpened skills in courtroom advocacy and negotiation.
After several years in the public sector, DiRado moved into private practice. In 2022 she became a partner at Stephens, DiRado & Caviness, LLP. The partner title reflected a shift into firm leadership and case management. Her responsibilities expanded to include supervising junior attorneys, developing case strategies and managing a caseload across the firm’s matters. Colleagues describe her as methodical in building a case and practical in pursuing resolutions.
Professionally, DiRado’s experience centers on criminal defense and trial work. Her time at the public defender’s office gave her direct exposure to misdemeanor and felony dockets, evidentiary issues and sentencing processes. In private practice she has continued criminal defense work while also taking on related civil matters that arise from criminal cases. She favors a plainspoken approach in client meetings and stresses clarity on options and likely outcomes. That approach helps clients understand complex legal steps without legalese.
Outside the courtroom, DiRado’s record is rooted in hands-on practice rather than academic writing or public office. She has focused on practical courtroom work and mentoring less experienced lawyers inside the firm. As a partner at Stephens, DiRado & Caviness, LLP, she currently handles criminal defense matters and related litigation for clients across Tennessee.
