Your Legal Team
Melissa L. Douthit – Managing Partner
Melissa was raised in a small town outside of St. Louis, Missouri. She attended Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and minors in psychology and theatre. Two and a half short years later, in December 2014, Melissa graduated cum laude. During college, she worked under the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, served as a freshman mentor, was involved in the Medaille Honor Society and Campus Ministry, and interned with the Honorable Robert M. Scheiber. Melissa’s passion for helping the Dear Neighbor, the mission of Avila University, led her to pursue her law degree and attend Washburn University School of Law. She obtained her Juris Doctor in May 2017.
During law school, she served as a January Section representative in the student bar association, worked as a reading clerk for the Kansas State Senate for the 2016 session, served as a study group leader, was a representative of the BARBRI Group, clerked with Alderson, Alderson, Weiler, Conklin, Burghardt, & Crow, LLC, and served as a legal intern in the Family Law Clinic. During her time as a legal intern, she and her co-counsel prepared and presented testimony before the Senate Committee of Judiciary relating to an amendment of the Protection from Abuse Act and Protection from Stalking Act, which was passed. Melissa comes to Lauren Taylor Law after working for over two years in an insurance defense firm, learning the intricacies of litigation and research. Melissa enjoys crafting, traveling, and spending time with her dog, Anora.
Savannah Hurteau – Associate Attorney
Savannah grew up travelling the world as the daughter of a United States Marine. She attended the College of Charleston where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Crime, Law, and Society. During college, she ran track & field and cross-country as a Division I athlete and was a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society. After graduating in 2017, she moved to Washington, D.C. and attended law school at American University Washington College of Law.
During law school, Savannah was the associate managing editor of the Sustainable Development Law and Policy Brief and the programming chair of the Environmental Law Society. Savannah was also a teaching fellow for the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Program. Throughout law school, Savannah clerked at firms focused on family law, maritime law, and clerked for the Department of Justice and the 9th Circuit Public Defender’s office. She received her Juris Doctor in May 2020.
Savannah is a member of the Charleston County Bar Association and is a member of the Wellness Committee as well as the outreach chair of for the Charleston Cinderella Project, which provides a free shopping opportunity for lowcountry students to shop for prom dresses. Savannah has devoted her practice to family law for the last two years.
Outside of work, Savannah enjoys travelling, golfing with her husband, and trying the newest restaurants in town.
Andrea Lauren Odom – Lead Paralegal
Andrea was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She has several years of experience working in the legal field. She graduated with honors from Greenville Technical College in 2020 with an Associate Degree in Applied Science, Paralegal Studies. Greenville Technical College’s paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association and is known for providing project-oriented and hands-on, practical experience. In April of 2022, she became a Certified Paralegal (CP) through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) after passing a knowledge exam and skills exam. The CP certification is known as a national professional standard for paralegals and is acknowledged by the American Bar Association as a mark of excellence. Shortly after earning this distinction, she completed additional requirements to become an Advanced Certified Paralegal. Andrea is anticipated to graduate from Lander University in May of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies and a minor in Political Science. She is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter. In her role at Lauren Taylor Law, Andrea prides herself on providing exceptional assistance to clients.
Cristie Wisecarver – Client Relations Specialist
Cristie is a native of Tennessee, but South Carolina is home. She has an undergraduate degree in Human Services with a concentration in Criminology. Cristie is a certified yoga, spin, barre, kickboxing, weight training, and step instructor. In addition to staying active, she loves to be involved in her community. Cristie is a certified Guardian Ad Litem and enjoys volunteering at various agencies that advocate for children.
Rochelle Kiefer – Paralegal
Rochelle is a South Dakota native but was raised in the Lowcountry. She works closely with our attorneys and clients in our Charleston office to provide the best legal services possible and is committed to the success of the firm as well as those of our team. She received her Associate’s in Paralegal Studies from Miller-Motte Technical College and has 9 years of experience working in the legal field. Rochelle enjoys spending time on the water, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Meg Jones – Director of Operations
Meg was born and raised in Vidalia, GA. She serves Lauren Taylor Law as the Director of Operations, Controller, and Human Resources. Years of her life were spent as a Sgt. 911 Dispatcher. Meg also obtained her certification in Life Coaching. In later career endeavors, her background has been in office administration. In her free time, she hangs out with her cat and enjoys photography. Meg’s main goal is client satisfaction. She is here to help in any way.
Susan Roukous – Marketing Manager
Susan grew up in a small town along the coast of Virginia. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Marketing. After meeting her now husband, they decided to leave their home state to make roots in the Lowcountry.Susan brings a wealth of experience and a passion for promoting women’s rights and empowering women in the business world. Prior to joining our team, she worked at a women’s magazine where she was responsible for driving engagement, strategizing events, and developing innovative marketing campaigns. Her creativity and attention to detail are evident in everything she does. She loves coordinating photo shoots for our firm, ensuring that our brand messaging is communicated clearly and authentically through all visual assets.Above all, what drives her is the opportunity to work for an all female law firm dedicated to empowering women and making a difference in the world. She considers herself fortunate to be part of a team that is making a positive impact on their clients every day.