Meet Melissa Machen Chapman, Esquire
Melissa Machen Chapman, J.D., isn't just an attorney – she's a trusted advisor and compassionate advocate dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters with confidence and peace of mind.
Raised in the heart of Walton County, Georgia, Melissa's journey to becoming an esteemed attorney is rooted in her deep connection to her community. After graduating from George Walton Academy in Monroe, Melissa ventured to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she earned a B.S. in Sociology. Her time at Vanderbilt was marked by service and leadership, from her leadership role in her sorority and on the Panhellenic Council to volunteerism. After graduation, she worked in the Alumni and Development Department and also was the youngest sorority house mother in the nation.
Driven by a passion to serve others, Melissa pursued graduate studies in criminology at the University of Maryland before attending law school at the University of Baltimore. There, she distinguished herself as a member of two law journals and authored multiple publications, laying the foundation for her distinguished legal career.
Melissa's journey led her back to her roots in Walton County, where she has dedicated herself to serving her community through her law practice and through many volunteer activities. As the founder of Machen Chapman Law Firm, LLC (formerly The Shannahan Law Firm, LLC), Melissa focuses on estate and trust planning, estate administration, elder law, and supplemental planning, providing families with the expertise and peace of mind they deserve.
Beyond her legal practice, Melissa is deeply involved in her community, contributing her time and talents to the boards of George Walton Academy and the Walton County Healthcare Foundation, and serving as a member of the Walton County Hospital Authority Board.
When she's not in the office, Melissa treasures time spent with her husband and their five children. Whether attending church, cheering on her children at sporting events, exploring international destinations, indulging in culinary adventures, or losing herself in the pages of a good book, Melissa embraces life with warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine spirit of hospitality.
