Law Office of Rhett Burney welcomes attorney Melissa Smith to the firm

The Law Office of Rhett Burney announced the addition of Melissa Smith to its legal team. Smith is a dedicated family law attorney who brings compassion, diligence, and a strong sense of purpose to her practice.

Originally from a small town near St. Louis, Missouri, Melissa was raised in a hardworking and diverse family that instilled strong values of integrity and perseverance. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, with minors in Psychology and Theatre, from Avila University in Kansas City, graduating cum laude in just two and a half years.

Her passion for service and justice led her to Washburn University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2017. During law school, she served as a Student Bar Association representative, reading clerk for the Kansas State Senate, and a legal intern in the Family Law Clinic. She also clerked for a general practice firm, gaining hands-on experience across multiple areas of law, and co-authored testimony that successfully helped amend Kansas’s Protection from Abuse and Protection from Stalking Acts.

Melissa began her legal career in insurance defense, where she developed valuable litigation and courtroom experience. For the past several years, she has focused primarily on family law, helping clients navigate divorce, custody, and support matters with professionalism and empathy. Her well-rounded legal background and commitment to client advocacy make her a trusted resource for families facing complex legal challenges.

“Melissa’s dedication to her clients and her experience in family law make her a tremendous addition to our firm,” said Rhett Burney, founding attorney of the Law Office of Rhett Burney. “She shares our commitment to helping families navigate difficult situations with integrity and compassion.”

About the Law Office of Rhett Burney

The Law Office of Rhett Burney, located in Simpsonville, South Carolina, serves clients throughout the Upstate in matters of family law, divorce, child custody and support, mediation, civil litigation, personal injury, estate planning, and probate. The firm is dedicated to helping individuals and families protect what matters most by providing practical solutions, experienced guidance, and trusted representation. For more information, visit the firm’s website at www.rhettburney.com.