About Melissa C
Melissa C Freeman grew up studying politics and international affairs before turning to the law. She pursued a liberal arts path as an undergraduate and then moved on to study law. Her early academic choices shaped an interest in how public systems affect individuals and communities.
She earned a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies from Aquinas College in 2012. She then attended Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, where she received her J.D. in 2015. Those years included both classroom study and practical legal training that prepared her for litigation and courtroom work.
During law school she gained hands-on experience in local public defense. In 2014 she worked as an intern at the Kent County Office of the Defender, where she observed client interviews, courtroom practice, and case preparation. After graduation she served as a law clerk at Miel & Carr, PLC in 2015 and moved into private practice the same year as an associate at Blanchard Law. Those early roles put her in direct contact with criminal casework and courtroom procedure.
Freeman has been an active member of professional groups since the start of her career. She joined the Criminal Defense Lawyers of Michigan in 2015 and also participates in the Ionia Montcalm Bar Association. She attends continuing education programs and trial practice seminars to stay current on changes in Michigan criminal law and procedure. Colleagues describe her as methodical in case preparation and steady under pressure. She approaches each matter by focusing on the facts, the record, and applicable law.
Admitted to practice in Michigan, Freeman has built a practice that centers on criminal defense. She represents clients in arraignments, pretrial hearings, and trials. She currently practices at Blanchard Law, representing clients in criminal defense matters across Michigan.
