Melanie Leitman Assumes Presidency of the William H. Stafford American Inn of Court

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Stearns Weaver Miller announced that Shareholder Melanie Leitman has assumed the role of President of the William H. Stafford American Inn of Court after being elected to the Counselor (president-elect) position in 2025. The William H. Stafford American Inn of Court is the Northern District of Florida chapter of the American Inns of Court, a national organization dedicated to fostering excellence in professionalism, ethics, civility, and legal skills for judges, lawyers, academicians, and students of law in order to perfect the quality, availability, and efficiency of justice in the United States. Melanie has been a member of the organization since 2016 and part of executive leadership since 2019, previously serving as President-Elect from 2025-2026, Treasurer from 2023-2025 and Secretary from 2019-2023.

“It is a great honor to lead such a distinguished and well-respected local voluntary bar organization. I look forward to upholding the Inn’s tradition of professionalism, mentorship, and service to the legal community,” said Leitman.

Melanie is also a leader in various other organizations in the Tallahassee Community. She is Vice President of America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend, a local non-profit that provides healthy food for vulnerable neighbors facing hunger and food insecurity throughout 16 counties in its Big Bend service area. Melanie is also a Co-Founder and Director of the Bridge to Law School Program, an initiative that integrates academic preparation, mentoring, and professional development to demystify the law school application process, the law school experience, and the practice of law for first-generation college students. She also is a member of Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL) and Tallahassee Women Lawyers (TWL).

Melanie’s legal practice focuses on employment defense litigation and human resources consultation. She represents clients in various employment-related claims, including Chapter 760, Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, whistleblower retaliation claims, drafting and enforcement/defense of covenants prohibiting competition, and constitutional claims arising out of employment disputes. She also handles civil and administrative litigation, covering state constitutional issues, general business and contract disputes, and state and federal appellate advocacy. Melanie has been named as one of The Best Lawyers in America® since 2024.