Defending rights,
Pursuing justice.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to dismantling financial barriers in the legal system and creating equal access to justice, without regard to economic status.
AJP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit law firm based in Charlotte, NC that offers low and pro bono representation and litigates matters of public interest.
About Us
WHO WE ARE
Exec. Director & Managing Attorney
Prior to founding AJP Law, Melissa worked in political & campaign finance law and oversaw the federal and state political and lobbying programs at a national nonprofit in Washington, DC. Her practice now focuses on criminal defense, civil litigation, housing advocacy, and same-sex adoption.
Honors
-
Included in NACDA, Top 10 Under 40 Criminal Defense Attorneys in N.C. (2022-2026)
-
Included in National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 (2024-2026)
-
Included in Lawyers of Distinction, Future Leaders in Law (2023-2026)
-
Recipient, Law People USA, Servant Leader (2022)
-
Included in South Carolina Bar, Pro Bono Honor Roll (2021-2024)
-
Included in North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center, Pro Bono Honor Society (2020-2024)​
Bar Admissions
-
North Carolina
-
South Carolina
-
New Jersey
Court Admissions
-
U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
-
U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina
-
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Education
-
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
-
Georgian Court University, B.A.
Accreditation
-
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Board of Directors
Crista Collazo
Chablis Dandridge
Ashley McDaniel
Tamisha Davis
Tahira McCoy
The organization's exemption application, determination letter, and annual information returns are available for public inspection upon request.
PRACTICE
AREAS
All consultations are free
and subject to availability.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
FAMILY & DOMESTIC LAW
POST-CONVICTION RELIEF
CIVIL RIGHTS LITIGATION
HOUSING ADVOCACY
EDUCATION LAW
NONPROFIT AND EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS
VETERANS LAW