About Melissa F.

Melissa F — Brown practices family law in Charleston, South Carolina. She has been a prominent figure in the field since 1992, when she began her legal career as an Assistant Solicitor. Over the years, she is known as a skilled advocate for her clients, focusing primarily on divorce and family law matters. Melissa is the owner and senior partner at her firm, which she established in 1999. Her office is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services to families navigating complex issues. She earned her J.D. from the University of South Carolina in 1991, following her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in 1983.

Her educational background laid the foundation for her extensive career in family law. Melissa has held various positions throughout her career, including multiple roles as an associate attorney and a law clerk. Each experience has contributed to her understanding of family law and her ability to handle many cases. Melissa's practice covers family law, with a particular emphasis on divorce proceedings. She is a certified family court mediator, which allows her to facilitate negotiations and help parties reach amicable resolutions. Cases typically involve child custody disputes, property division, and spousal support. Her approach focuses on achieving the best outcomes for families, often prioritizing mediation and collaborative solutions.

In addition to her legal practice, Melissa is actively involved in numerous professional organizations. She is a fellow of both the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Her leadership roles within these organizations demonstrate her commitment to advancing the field of family law. She also serves on various committees within the Charleston County Bar Association, including as a judge for the National Moot Court Competition. Melissa's contributions to the legal community extend beyond her practice. She has been involved with the American Bar Association in various capacities, including as co-chair of the Sponsorship Committee for the Family Law Section. Her dedication to legal education is evident in her role as co-editor of the Family Law CLE Newsletters.

She has also been recognized for her service, having held positions such as past chair and vice-chair of the Family Law Section of the South Carolina Bar Association. Outside of her professional commitments, Melissa is engaged in her community. She is a member of the Junior League of Charleston and has served on the board of the Center for Women, reflecting her dedication to supporting women and families in her area. Melissa F. Brown continues to be a leading voice in family law, advocating for her clients while contributing to the broader legal community in South Carolina.

Education

University of South Carolina

1991

University of Virginia

1983

Experience

has membership

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
2009

Owner, Senior Partner

Melissa F. Brown, LLC
1999

Associate

Andrews & Shull, PA
1998

Associate

Nexsen Pruet Jacobs Pollard & Robinson
1996

Associate

Lee M. Robinson, PA
1993

Assistant Solicitor

Charleston County 9th Circuit Solicitor s Office
1992

Law Clerk

The Honorable William L. Howard
1991

Accepted Jurisdictions

South Carolina

Court Admissions

South Carolina Supreme Court State Supreme Court

Types of Cases Handled

family law divorce

Legal Services Scope

Mediation Litigation

Certifications & Awards

Certified Family Court Mediator

South Carolina Bar Association

Professional Associations

International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Fellow 2011 - Current

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Fellow 2009 - Current

Ashley Hall School Alumni Board

has membership and Committee Chair 2008 - Current

Charleston County Bar Association

Judge, National Moot Court Competition, Charleston School of Law 2005 - Current

Charleston County Bar Association

Vice Chair, William L. Howard Portrait Committee 2003 - Current

American Bar Association

Advisory Panel, Inaugural has membership 2003 - Current

American Bar Association Family Law Section

has membership 2001 - Current

Charleston Day School

Committee has membership 1999 - Current

Center for Women

has membership and Board has membership 1998 - Current

American Bar Association

has membership 1996 - Current

South Carolina Women s Lawyer Association

has membership 1996 - Current

South Carolina Bar Association Family Law Section

has membership 1995 - Current

Trident United Way

Sub-committee Board has membership 1993 - Current

South Carolina State Bar

has membership 1992 - Current

Charleston County Bar Association

has membership 1992 - Current

SC Episcopal Diocese

has membership 1982 - Current

American Bar Association

Co-Chair of Sponsorship Committee for Family Law Section (FLS) 2008 - 2009

American Bar Association

Co-Editor, Family Law CLE Newsletters 2008 - 2009

The Buckley School of Public Speaking

Graduate 2008 - 2008

American Bar Association

Judge, National Schwab Family Law Legal Writing Contest 2007 - 2008

South Carolina Bar Association

Delegate Representing FLS, House of Delegates 2005 - 2006

American Bar Association

Co-Vice Chair, FLS Law Practice Management Committee 2003 - 2004

South Carolina Bar Association

Past Chair, FLS 2003 - 2004

South Carolina Bar Association

Chair, FLS 2002 - 2003

South Carolina Bar Association

Chair-Elect, FLS 2001 - 2002

ABA Trial Advocacy School

Graduate 2001 - 2001

South Carolina Bar Association

Vice-Chair, FLS 2000 - 2001

South Carolina Bar Association

Secretary, FLS 1999 - 2000

Charleston County Bar Association

Secretary/Treasurer, FLS 1996 - 1998

Junior League of Charleston

has membership 1992 - 1997

Office Locations

Main Office

 145 King St., Ste. 405 Charleston SC 29401