About ME
ABOUT MELANIE
The Beginnings
Melanie Ellwanger began her legal career as an Assistant Solicitor with the Forsyth County Solicitor-General’s Office, where she prosecuted thousands of DUI, traffic and misdemeanor criminal cases. During her tenure, she served as a DUI Court prosecutor, gaining intricate knowledge of DUI law while collaborating with police officers, State Troopers, and Judges.
The Journey
In 2010, Melanie was recruited to join Head Thomas Webb & Willis in Atlanta as an Associate Attorney. She handled DUI, misdemeanor criminal, and traffic cases across Georgia, providing her with a new perspective by viewing criminal matters from the perspective of the accused. Defending cases before over 100 judges in various jurisdictions significantly broadened her versatility as an attorney.
The Founder
In 2014, Melanie founded ME Law and later sought election as the Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Roswell, advancing to the run-off election from a field of four candidates.
The Super Lawyer
Melanie has been recognized ten times by her peers as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, one of the legal profession’s top honors for attorneys under 40. In 2024, she was named a Super Lawyer. Her achievements have been published in Georgia Super Lawyers Magazine and Atlanta Magazine, and she has earned a SUPERB (10/10) rating on Avvo.com.
Professional Background
A graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law, Melanie also holds an undergraduate degree from The Women’s College of Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia.
She is a sought-after speaker on DUI topics at legal seminars in Georgia and is a member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL) and The National College for DUI Defense at Harvard University (NCDD). Additionally, she is certified in Field Sobriety Testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients, Feel free to call or text anytime, and we’ll get back to you promptly
Reach Her at +1 404-803-3105 or melanie@hiremelaw.com.
Memberships & Affiliations & Education
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor, University of Arkansas School of Law – Fayetteville, Arkansas (May 2007)
BA in Legal Studies and Conflict Resolution, cum laude, Brenau University – Gainesville, Georgia (April 2004)
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
State Bar of Georgia
Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, 2007-2010
DUI Detection and SFST (N.H.T.S.A.), 2008
Georgia Court of Appeals, 2009
North Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Cobb County Bar Association
National College for DUI Defense
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
North Fulton Bar Association
Super Lawyers-Georgia, Rising Star, 2013-2022
Super Lawyers-Georgia, Super Lawyer,2024
CONFERENCES AND CLASSES
Fundamentals of Prosecution, 2008 – Helen, GA
GCIC Security and Integrity Training, 2008 – Cumming, GA
N.H.T.S.A. and I.A.C.P. DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, 2008 – Cumming, GA
Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia Summer Conference, 2008 – Jekyll Island, GA
Drug, DUI and Mental Health Court Conference, 2008 – Peachtree City, GA
Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia Summer Conference, 2009 – Jekyll Island, GA
Multi-Device Breath Testing Mega Course, 2010 – Atlanta, GA
Georgia Appellate Practice Seminar, 2010 – Atlanta, GA
Speaker (Ethics) Georgia DUI Update, 2010 – Atlanta, GA
National College for DUI Defense Summer Session, 2010 –Boston, MA
Georgia Department of Driver Services Seminar, 2012 – Atlanta, GA
National College for DUI Defense DUI Seminar, 2012 –Las Vegas, NV
Speaker (DUI Practice Under the New Evidence Code) Georgia DUI Update, May 2013 – Atlanta, GA
Defense of Drinking Driver’s Institute, December 2013 – Atlanta, GA
DUI Super Symposium, October 2014 – Atlanta, GA
Mastering Scientific Evidence, March 2015 – New Orleans, LA
Speaker (Negotiations) GA DUI Defense 101, May 2024, Atlanta, GA
