Melissa Baker

Assistant Public Defender

Melissa began working at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender as a law student in 2018 and never stopped. While she pursued public defense to bring her closer to her values and ideals, she considers herself most fortunate for the connections, support, and growth this office has brought her. Melissa currently works as an assistant public defender in Criminal Court and handles all levels of charges, primarily felonies. Melissa has worked in treatment courts in the past. Along with the intern committee, she currently volunteers on the committee that coordinates and trains the office’s new employees. She’s a Memphis transplant but has embraced the city as her own. Melissa got a puppy in quarantine and never thought she’d be the person to reference her dog in a bio, but apparently having a dog is part of her personality now. He’s the best.