Melanie E. Davis

Melanie E. Davis is a Maryville attorney and partner whose practice includes civil litigation, personal injury, contract litigation, property disputes, municipal law, land use, and property owners association matters. Melanie represents local governments, public bodies, associations, businesses, and individuals in complex civil issues. Her work combines trial practice with ongoing counsel for municipal and institutional clients facing regulatory, property, governance, contract, and litigation concerns.

Melanie earned a B.A. in French, magna cum laude, from the University of Tennessee in 1992 and completed graduate study in French Literature before entering law school. She graduated cum laude from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1996 and was named Woman Graduate of the Year. During law school, she served on the Labor Law Moot Court Team and completed federal judicial and US Attorney’s Office clerkships.

Melanie has represented the City of Maryville since 1999, including its City Council, Planning Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals. She serves public entities and utility districts and represents roughly 200 property owners and condominium associations across East Tennessee. Her appellate record includes numerous Tennessee Court of Appeals and Tennessee Supreme Court matters, reflecting substantial experience with trial records, written advocacy, municipal issues, property disputes, and complex civil litigation.

Melanie E. Davis is board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy and certified in Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy. Her recognitions include Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America selections, along with long-standing bar and professional leadership. She has served as president of the Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association and the Blount County Bar Association, combining courtroom experience, municipal counsel, appellate work, and professional service in a broad civil litigation practice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Kizer & Black, Attorneys, PLLC
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association
• President, Blount County Bar Association (2001)
• President, Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association (2019-2020)
• Senior Fellow, Trial Law Institute
• Senior Fellow, Diversity Law Institute
• Member, Knoxville Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• Board Member and Chairman, Blount County Community Action Agency (Meals on Wheels) (2016-2018)
• Board Member, Maryville City Schools Foundation (2004-2009)
• Former Board Member, Blount County American Red Cross
• Former Board Member, YWCA of Blount County
• Former Board Member, Children’s International Summer Villages
• Former Board Member, Vocational Rehab of Blount County, Tennessee
• Attorney, City of Maryville
• Attorney, Town of Greenback
• Attorney, Maryville City School System
• Attorney, Maryville Housing Authority
• Attorney, South Blount Utility District
• Attorney, Tuckalechee Utility District
• Hearing Committee Member, Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility (2006-2012)

Licensed State

• Tennessee

Education

• University of Tennessee College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Tennessee
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in French

Awards & Badges