Atty. Melissa Travis Payne

Atty. Melissa Travis Payne

Melissa works in Chadwick Washington’s Fairfax office as an associate attorney, having joined the firm in April 2023. She provides general counseling and representation to community associations regarding assessment collections, covenant enforcement, contract negotiation, corporate governance, drafting rules and policies, and interpretation and amendments of governing documents.

Fairfax Fairfax 10 yrs experience 10 year
Call (703) 940-5734 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Melissa Travis Payne at a glance

Melissa Travis Payne is an Associate based in Fairfax, Virginia, practicing at Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty, Elmore & Bunn, PC. They have 10+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2016. Their practice focuses on business, creditor rights, and litigation. Admitted to practice in North Carolina (2016) and Virginia (2022). Educated at Wake Forest University School of Law, Winston-Salem, NC. (J.D., 2016) and Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. (B.S., 2012). Active member of Professional Associations •Virginia State Bar •North Carolina State Bar •Community Associations Institute, Washington Metropolitan Chapter. Serands clients in Fairfax, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Melissa works in Chadwick Washington’s Fairfax office as an associate attorney, having joined the firm in April 2023
  • She provides general counseling and representation to community associations regarding assessment collections, covenant enforcement, contract negotiation, corporate governance, drafting rules and policies, and interpretation and amendments of governing documents
  • Melissa earned her law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2016 and is admitted to practice law in Virginia and North Carolina
  • Prior to joining the firm, Melissa practiced in North Carolina, focusing on mass torts and tobacco litigation
  • Articles • Author, 'We're Sorry Ms. Jackson
  • We Are for Real
  • You Are Not on the Board,' Quorum, Washington Metro Chapter Community Associations Institute, February 2025 • Co-Author, 'May I Have Your Attention, Please?
  • Will the Real Volunteers Please Stand Up?
  • Receiverships in Community Associations,' Quorum, Washington Metro Chapter Community Associations Institute, October 2023

Practice Areas Explained

Melissa Travis Payne's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Melissa Travis Payne handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Melissa Travis Payne is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Virginia →

Creditor Rights & Collections

Melissa Travis Payne is one of 42,948 creditor rights attorneys indexed nationally. Browse creditor rights attorneys in Virginia →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Melissa Travis Payne is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Virginia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Virginia

Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Fairfax are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Fairfax or all attorneys in Virginia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Melissa Travis Payne

Where is Melissa Travis Payne's law office located?
Melissa Travis Payne's law practice is located in Fairfax, Virginia. The firm is Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty, Elmore & Bunn, PC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Melissa Travis Payne handle?
Melissa Travis Payne focuses on business, creditor rights, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Virginia.
How long has Melissa Travis Payne practiced law?
Melissa Travis Payne has 10+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2016.
Where did Melissa Travis Payne go to law school?
Melissa Travis Payne earned their education at (J.D., 2016); (B.S., 2012).
How can I contact Melissa Travis Payne for a consultation?
You can contact Melissa Travis Payne directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Education

J.D.
Wake Forest University School of Law, Winston-Salem, NC.
- 2016
B.S.
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.
- 2012

Bar Admissions

North Carolina
Admitted: 2016
Virginia
Admitted: 2022

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