Your Legal Partner for Purpose, Protection, and Progress

Mission

At Melanie Cunningham Law Office P.C., we partner with mission-driven businesses and nonprofits to deliver strategic legal counsel and proactive compliance solutions that protect your growth, purpose, and brand.

Attorney. Champion for Doers. Dessert Enthusiast.

Bronx-raised and grounded by my family’s Southern roots — where hard work, good manners, and looking out for your people were non-negotiable. I didn’t have a childhood lemonade empire or a middle-school candy hustle, but I did have grit, determination, and the belief that you can build something that matters.

Today, I help small businesses and nonprofits protect their assets, strengthen their foundations, and build legacies that last. My clients know I’ll bring clear strategy, honest advice, and just enough humor to make the legal side of business feel a little lighter.

When I’m not reviewing contracts, filing trademarks, or teaching a workshop, you’ll probably find me traveling (passport or GPS with fastest route ready), hunting down the best bakery in town, or enjoying my daily coffee ritual. And that sleek Apple laptop in my headshot? Totally borrowed. My trusty Microsoft Surface is the real MVP.

Empowering Visionary Organizations Through Legal & Compliance Strategy

For Growing, Mission-Driven Businesses

We work with organizations that value experienced legal guidance and are ready to invest in their long-term success. For growing businesses, we help fortify your brand, protect your assets, anticipate legal risks, and build strong contractual and compliance frameworks.

Our clients are deeply committed to their mission and growth. They proactively seek legal solutions that support long-term sustainability and allow them to operate with integrity.

For Compliance-Forward Organizations

For organizations navigating complex regulatory environments, we bring a forward-thinking, strategic approach to compliance. We help you interpret evolving laws and requirements, implement smart policies, and ensure alignment with corporate and government contract requirements - minimizing legal exposure and strengthening operational resilience.

Our clients understand that legal and compliance services are a vital investment — not a last resort.

Rooted in kindness, integrity, and collaboration, we partner with you to build a strong foundation for sustainable success.

Let’s protect what you’re building - together.

Strategic Legal Support for the Work You’re Meant to Do.

Legal Services

Business-aligned legal counsel built for small businesses, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations

Training & Development

Empowering Founders, Teams, and Communities with Legal Know-How.

Compliance & Risk Advisory

Compliance That Strengthens Culture. Minimizes Risk, and avoid costly missteps.

We provide clear counsel, practical training, and compliance built for how you really work.

We Meet You Where You Are

Strategy Sessions

ONE-TIME LEGAL CLARITY - Tackle a specific issue or get guidance with a 60-minute (or longer) session. Great for quick insight or next-step planning.

Flat-Fee Projects

PREDICTABLE. PRACTICAL. DONE. - From contracts to trademarks, get key legal deliverables at a flat rate - no tracking hours or surprise

L.I.F.T. Legal Reserve

FLEXIBLE SUPPORT, BANKED IN ADVANCE - Pre-pay for legal time you can use as needed. A smart in-between for founders who want access without the full commitment of a retainer.

Fractional General Counsel

YOUR LEGAL PARTNER ON SPEED DIAL - Ongoing legal guidance, office hours, and proactive support for scaling teams — without hiring another full-time in-house counsel.

What People Have To Say

As our business grows, we were praying to find a knowledgeable and skilled attorney we could trust. However, while skill and ability are necessary components to business partnership; character and integrity are of the utmost importance to us and the instant we met Melanie, we knew we'd found the right person to partner with and to help us set our business up for success!

- Chapter tOO, LLC., Charmaine Green-Forde, CEO

I am beyond grateful to you and your incredible team who worked tirelessly to see the Seven Goddess Dynasty® registered trademark through to completion. Your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence is unmatched—keeping me updated, staying on task, and ensuring every detail was handled precisely. You truly went above and beyond, and I can’t thank you enough.

Throughout the entire process, you not only provided clear and consistent updates, but you also kept me informed and on track, ensuring that every step was handled with precision.

- Nonprofit Seven Goddess Dynasty® , Seven-Goddess Allen, Founder & CEO

1. Based on the initial consultation, I felt like Melanie was competent. I actually already had another attorney, but honestly, their communication was not as prompt as I needed and I felt like my work may have not been 'billable' enough for them. Melanie was focused on small business needs.

2. The document creation process was methodical and based on the first draft, I could tell that Melanie was paying attention to the needs that I expressed as they were reflected in the documents and well written.

3. Don't hesitate to hire Melanie!

- A Foot in the Door, Inc, K.Francis, CEO

I want to shout out Melanie Cunningham of MC Law, a fellow female entrepreneur who just helped me update my #freelancer contract. Thanks to her, I can operate my business with even more confidence. For me, as for many freelancers I know, shaping your own contract is a scary yet crucial part of business-adulting - yes, let's be real - and Melanie helped me handle it with ease. She answered all of my questions thoughtfully and compassionately with examples to help me understand how terms like indemnity and force majeure can play out. Documents were organized easily and effectively in an online system. I highly recommend MC Law's services for #entrepreneurs operating in the U.S.!

- Chloe' Skye W., owner, Chlohemian Copy Magic

I was so stressed about the legal matters that I was dealing with concerning my business. Melanie's manner, insight, and intellect put me right at ease. I am SO GRATEFUL to have found her and while I hope that I won't NEED her services too often, I am so relieved to know that she is there if I need her again.

- Dr. Shannon Mason, Principal & CEO, Shannon Mason LLC.

Melanie, was such a pleasure to work. She helped me register my trademarks. She made the process simple, answered all my questions quickly and thoroughly in a language I would be able to understand. I will definitely hire her for any additional legal services I may need.

- Brenda G., CEO, Fit 4 A Better Me, LLC.

Choosing MC Law was a great decision for me. Melanie was very easy to work with. She was knowledgeable and helpful. I felt comfortable with the decision I made based on her legal advice. I would let anyone that is considering hiring MC Law to go ahead and do it. You will be receiving expert advice from a genuine person who is looking out for your best interests.

- Karlene R., CEO, Stir Up Your Vision

Striking Business Gold

A practical, easy-to-read guide for busy entrepreneurs. This go-to resource helps small business owners avoid common pitfalls and build a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

Inside, you'll find clear strategies, checklists, and worksheets to help you:

  • Plan and grow your business intentionally

  • Build smart legal and operational systems

  • Hire and scale with confidence

  • Market effectively and build valuable partnerships

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