Mel W. Shelander
Attorney
Professional Overview
Mel W. Shelander operates a law practice in Beaumont, Texas, where he has maintained the same office location for over 35 years. He intentionally avoids board certification to maintain a broad practice across multiple legal disciplines rather than specializing in one area.
Education
- High School: Graduated Beaumont High, May 1970
- Undergraduate: Graduated Lamar University - Beaumont with BBA, May 1973 (completed in 3 years)
- Law School: Graduated South Texas College of Law - Houston, January 1976 (completed in 2.5 years)
Court Admissions
- All Texas State Courts
- U.S. District Courts (Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas)
- Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
- U.S. Supreme Court
Practice Areas
- Family law (divorce, custody, adoption, paternity, guardianship, modifications, fathers' rights)
- Personal injury
- Criminal defense
- Business law
- Estate planning
- Landlord-tenant matters
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas
- Jefferson County Bar Association
- Jefferson County Family Law Lawyer's Association
- Jefferson County Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association
- Past Fellow, American Academy of Adoption and Family Law
- Jefferson County Settlement Week Mediator
- Adoption and family law mentor
Community Involvement
- President and Director, Cradle of Life Adoption Agency, Inc.
- Board Member, Lamar University Cardinal Club
- Past President, Beaumont Little Dribblers Basketball League
- Former coaching roles in Little League Baseball and basketball
Personal
Native Beaumont resident; married with five children.