BACKGROUND
Melanie Friend practices family law at CowanGates focusing on divorce, child custody and visitation, spousal support, child support, adoption, and prenuptial agreements. She is qualified as a guardian ad litem for children. Melanie is also trained to represent parties in the collaborative divorce process.
Melanie is an active leader in Richmond’s legal community and has served as president for the Metropolitan Richmond Women’s Bar Association and the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation. She has also previously served on the board of directors of the Richmond Bar Association, the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. American Inn of Court, the Collaborative Professionals of Richmond, and the Metropolitan Richmond Family Law Bar Association.
Melanie joined CowanGates in 2007 after obtaining her law degree, with honors, from William & Mary Law School and completing a clerkship for the Honorable Timothy E. Meredith of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals.
TESTIMONIALS
“When I was in the process of choosing an attorney to handle my divorce, I was looking for someone who would work closely with me to resolve my concerns promptly, sensitively, and within my budget. In Melanie Friend, I found such an attorney. Throughout the divorce process, she was a thoughtful advocate who listened carefully to my unique circumstances and helped me to understand and evaluate all my options. She was always thorough and responsive and I would highly recommend her.”
“I was in an untenable situation, working with other attorneys to no avail. Melanie understood my frustration, pain and disappointment. She worked tirelessly on my account, to come to an amenable solution for both parties. Melanie was able to balance my emotional needs with the realities of the complex situation.”
HONORS AND AWARDS
- Virginia Lawyers Weekly “Leaders in the Law” 2019 honoree
- Virginia Lawyers Weekly “Up & Coming Lawyers of 2016” honoree
- Virginia Business Magazine Legal Elite (Family Law) since 2013
- Virginia Super Lawyers, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 (Family Law)
- Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 (Family Law)
- Virginia Super Lawyers Top 50 Women Lawyers, 2020, 2021, and 2022
- Richmond Bar Association’s 2013 Young Lawyer of the Year
- Member, National Association of Distinguished Counsel – Nation’s Top One Percent (Family Law)