Adjunct Assistant Professor, Criminal and Constitutional Law

Degrees

B.A., Cumberland University

B.B.A., Cumberland University

J.D., Stetson University

Office Location: Lannom and Williams, PLLC 137 Public Square, Lebanon, Tennessee
Office Hours: By appointment
Phone: (615) 444-2900
E-mail: Melaniebean@lannomwilliams.com

 

As an experienced practicing lawyer in Tennessee, Melanie R. Bean agreed to act as an adjunct professor at Cumberland University in 2008, drawing on her extensive practical knowledge of the law to address a need in the Criminal Justice program for courses concerning Criminal and Constitutional law, both applied and theoretical.

 

Melanie is an attorney at the Law Firm of Lannom and Williams, PLLC, where she focuses her practice in trial litigation. Melanie 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. Melanie currently serves as Chair of the Legislative Committee for the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense lawyers. She is a member of the Lebanon Breakfast Rotary Club, and serves on the board of directors for Wilson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which provides a voice of advocacy for abused and neglected children.

 

Melanie Bean 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. 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.

Committed to providing an accurate experience in preparation for practical legal competence, Melanie teaches with alternative methods often venturing outside of the classroom. Melanie has created special projects for her students that involve presenting closing arguments in a real courtroom before an actual Judge and a jury composed of lawyers and professors in the Criminal Justice field. Continuing to give back to her alma mater through both teaching and financial means, Melanie has recently established an endowment scholarship through the school known as the William and Irene Bean Memorial Scholarship, which is available to assist qualified students at Cumberland who intend to pursue a legal career.

 

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