SMITHANDLEPP.COM - Key Persons

Melanie Lepp is originally from Florida and practiced law there for two (2) years prior to moving to Tennessee in 1996. She received her Bachelor's degree with a major in Finance from Florida Atlantic University. She obtained her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad Law Center in 1994. Ms. Lepp was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1994 and the Tennessee Bar in 1996. She is admitted to practice in all Tennessee State Courts, the Supreme Court of Tennessee, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Ms. Lepp is also a member of the Rutherford/Cannon County Bar Association. Additionally, prior to starting her career in law, Ms. Lepp worked numerous years in the medical field which has provided her with substantial knowledge of medical practices and medical terminology. This knowledge is essential in being able to effectively handle injury and disability claims. Melanie lives in Murfreesboro. She is an animal lover and has two dogs, a cat, and two horses. She is an equestrian and rides hunter/jumpers. She also holds a 2 nd degree black belt in Wado Karate. Melanie is committed to providing experienced and personalized representation. It is her priority to effectively handle your legal matter in the most expeditious and economically feasible way possible. She understands that legal matters are emotionally stressful and strives to maintain a relaxed and casual office atmosphere, believing that more can be accomplished when people are comfortable. Her lab mix, Chaco, goes to work with her and does a great job helping clients to relax.

Sandra (Sandie) Smith is originally from Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee. She obtained her Bachelor's from Middle Tennessee State University in 1991 majoring in Political Science and English. She then moved on to study at Southeastern Paralegal Institute in Nashville, obtaining her Certification in 1992. Sandie worked as a paralegal in Murfreesboro and Nashville for such attorneys and firms as Bolin & Ash (now Adjunct Judge Don R. Ash), Wilson & Bradley (now sitting Rutherford County Chancellor Howard W. Wilson), Agee Godwin Morris & Laurenzi (Lynn Agee, retired General Counsel USW) and Provost & Umphrey (based in Texas - Walter Umphrey's "Tobacco Five" litigation firm). Working with such prestigious and noteworthy individuals gifted her with a firm foundation of knowledge of the legal process and courtroom experiences. Sandie has been married for over 22 years to Slade Smith and they have together raised two children. They share time between work and their 140 acre farm in Wilson County, Tennessee. Sandie is the happy owner of a menagerie of livestock and pets, ranging from her four (4) Tennessee Walking Horses to a five pound Yorkie who often accompanies her as an office companion.

The attorneys of Sandra L. M. Smith, Esq. and Melanie Lepp, P.C., bring extensive experience in family law, personal injury, Social Security Disability, wills and estates, powers of attorney and workers' compensation. We understand the fact that our clients need a knowledgeable advocate to protect their rights and defend their interests. We strive to create the real solutions that our clients need to be able to move beyond whatever legal matter is confronting them.