Melanie Taylor

Melanie Taylor, a proud Texan with deep roots in the Stephens County area of Oklahoma, has forged a remarkable career journey, transitioning from her initial role as an Emergency Medical Technician to becoming a dedicated attorney.

Born and raised in the Lone Star State, Melanie’s family ties brought her back to the landscapes of Oklahoma. Following a successful tenure as an Emergency Medical Technician, she chose to redirect her focus and devoted time to raising her two eldest children.

In pursuit of a new path, Melanie returned to education later in life, demonstrating unwavering commitment and diligence. In 2009, she graduated Cum Laude with honors from Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas, earning her Associates of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies. During this period, she commenced her legal career as a part-time Legal Assistant, achieving Dean’s List recognition each semester. Melanie became a distinguished member of the Psi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Kappa Delta and earned the title of Phi Theta Kappa Scholar.

Her educational journey continued as she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies from Texas Wesleyan University in 2012. Throughout her time at Texas Wesleyan, Melanie joined the Pre-Law Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, consistently maintaining her place on the Dean’s List.

The culmination of Melanie’s educational pursuit occurred at the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2015. Simultaneously, she attained a Juris Master’s in Legal Studies, showcasing her multifaceted legal expertise. During her tenure at Appalachian, Melanie served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), exemplifying her commitment to community service. Her outstanding achievements were acknowledged with the Willard Owens Award for Community Service and the Thomas Blackwell Award for Outstanding Achievement in Legal Writing.

For eight years, Melanie applied her legal skills as a Paralegal in Texas before extending her practice to Oklahoma. Admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association in 2022, she joined the esteemed firm of Riffel, Riffel, and Benham, P.L.L.C. in 2023.

Melanie’s primary areas of practice encompass family litigation, estate planning, probate, and general civil litigation. Her commitment to excellence and compassionate representation shines through in every case she handles.