Melanie L. Carpenter
Shareholder
(605)-336-3890 | Email | vCard | PDF
Areas of Practice
Employment Law
Litigation
Education
Iowa State University, B.S.
University of South Dakota, J.D.
ADMITTED TO:
South Dakota
EXPERIENCE:
Melanie has represented Woods Fuller clients with litigation and employment law needs since 1996. Whether civil litigation due to employment issues, insurance defense, or business disputes, she diligently represents her clients’ best interests.
A member of the moot court board during law school, she later served as a law clerk to the United States District Court, District of South Dakota, in Rapid City. She has been recognized repeatedly by peers in publications such as “Great Plains Super Lawyers” and the U.S. Business Edition of “Super Lawyers.”
Melanie is a member of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, and the International Association of Defense Counsel. She is the past President of the South Dakota chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Melanie believes in service to community. She currently is on the board of directors for EmBe. Prior to that she spent several years a member of the board of directors of the Zoological Society of Sioux Falls.
Outside of the courtroom, Melanie enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, coaching youth sports, athletics, and traveling.
Community Involvement
CURRENT:
Board of Directors, EmBe – Since May 2023
PAST:
Sioux Falls Civil Service, Board Member
Great Plains Zoo, Board President
Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center, Board Member
Girls’ softball coach
High school gymnastics judge
"EmBe is a great organization... it provides opportunities and programs for women, children, and families. They have leadership programs, Dress for Success, financial literacy, recreational activities for kids who aren't in competitive sports, and childcare, which is so important for all families."
"A firm legacy of service means... I can look back over the 29 years I’ve been here and see how the firm has always celebrated service work. It’s been prioritized and really made an important part of the firm culture—and I hope to continue that and be a good role model for our younger attorneys."
