Melissa Rae Lanier

Melissa Rae Lanier is a dedicated Texas attorney with extensive experience in bankruptcy, estate planning, and debt relief law. For nearly two decades, she has helped individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of financial hardship with clarity and compassion. Melissa has earned a strong reputation for her integrity, responsiveness, and commitment to delivering practical solutions that restore stability and peace of mind to her clients.

Melissa began her academic journey at Kingwood College, earning her Associate of Arts Degree in 1995. She later completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from the University of Houston, Clearlake in 2001. In 2006, she graduated magna cum laude from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, earning her Doctor of Jurisprudence (Juris Doctor) degree. Her educational background reflects her consistent pursuit of excellence and her deep understanding of both the law and the people it serves.

Melissa’s practice focuses primarily on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, representing both individuals and businesses. She is an active member of the State Bar of Texas, the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas, the Houston Bar Association – Bankruptcy Division, and the Northeast Harris County Bar Association, where she served as a board member for eight years. In addition, she participates in numerous professional organizations, including the American Business Women’s Association, the Federation of Houston Professional Women, and the Houston Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Through her tireless dedication, Melissa Rae Lanier continues to empower her clients to overcome financial challenges and achieve lasting debt relief with professionalism and compassion. Melissa’s contributions extend beyond her legal work. She has volunteered her time with the New Caney ISD Education Foundation and serves on the Executive Board of the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership and community service earned her several recognitions, including the 2010 Woman of Excellence from the Federation of Houston Professional Women and the 2011 Woman of the Year by the American Business Women’s Association. She was also honored as a Top Ten Candidate by the same organization in both 2011 and 2013.

Law Office Affiliations

• Owner/Attorney, Law Office Of Melissa Rae Lanier P.L.L.C.
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Member, Houston Bar Association- Bankruptcy Law Section
• Board Member, Northeast Harris County Bar Association (2009 – 2017)
• Chair, New Caney ISD Education Foundation, Breeze Into Summe (2017)
• Board Member, Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Executive
• Member, American Business Women’s Association
• Member, Federation of Houston Professional Women
• Member, Houston Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• Thurgood Marshall School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Houston
  Bachelor of Arts
• Kingwood College
  Associate of Arts Degree

Awards & Badges