Melanie Lopez
I am the first voice you will encounter when you call the firm!
I found my way into the legal field when I was in my early 20s after I lost my mother to ovarian cancer. I honestly had not a clue what to do with myself. A paralegal course was all it took to reel me in, and the rest was history. Since then I have accumulated over 20 years of paralegal experience working in estate planning, elder law, business law, real estate, employment law, insurance litigation, corporate law, and cannabis law.
I am a late bloomer. I went to college when I was 27 to receive an Associate in Applied Science degree at Brookdale Community College, the first ABA approved paralegal program in New Jersey. Twelve years later received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Thomas Edison State College in 2014, and finished a Master of Science in Psychology from University of Phoenix in 2016.
Outside of my career – I am married to a wonderful man who inspires me to be the best person I can be. I am the mother of three boys 11, 7 and 3, as well as a mom to 5 cats and 7 chickens. I work remotely out of East Tennessee, and I am excited to have a mini-farm and being able to buy my very first home. I love my greenhouse, orchard, and garden.
I have lived in New Jersey, New York City and Las Vegas Nevada – but none of those places ever felt like home. But Tennessee does.
In my spare time, I spend my time doing yoga, running, weight training and generally challenging myself physically. I defeated a weight issue when I was in my 20s when I was over 300 lbs so I greatly value physical fitness and self-determination. I am a vegetarian and love to learn to cook all sorts of foods ranging from Native American Indian to African stews. I find the challenge of cooking soothing and cathartic.
I read so much! I don’t read many newly published books I love the old classics that no one remembers anymore. I still think that is why I find this firm so comforting. My nerdy ways are embraced!
My biggest influence in my life was my Grandmother. She taught me how to be kind yet strong, patient and trustworthy. I follow in her footsteps in that I can disarm people with my open ways and willingness to help no matter the reason. We all could use a little more empathy and compassion in our lives, she used to tell me.
Lastly, I spend time learning about my faith, something I was not raised with. I became Catholic when my mother passed away to feel connected to our Creator. I dedicate time to reading the Bible to my boys and discussing what they hear so that I can facilitate their learning. I want to encourage them along their path and teach them to debate and challenge what they believe. That’s the best way to learn!