Contents

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    Table of Contents

      Varghese Summersett Background

      Melody McDonald Lanier

      Melody McDonald Lanier

      Melody McDonald Lanier is the Chief Content Officer, responsible for the firm’s overall content strategy and managing all media relations. Prior to joining the firm, Melody served as the first Public Information Officer for the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, where she served as the liaison between reporters and prosecutors.

      Before her time in public service, Melody was a well-known journalist at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram,  where she primarily covered crime and courts. Many of her 3,000-plus articles covered cases and trials at the Tarrant County courthouse. She also covered numerous national stories, including the American Sniper trial and the escape of the Texas Seven.

      During her 12 years at the Star-Telegram, Melody appeared on numerous national television programs, including Good Morning AmericaFox News, and Court TV.   She also previously worked at the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Chicago Tribune.

      Melody brings a unique skill set to Varghese Summersett. The firm’s attorneys are called upon to represent and consult with well-known politicians, celebrities, and other high-profile clients. Melody’s experience and media relationships help ensure the defense narrative is provided to the right media outlets at the right time. Melody gives the attorneys at Varghese Summersett unparalleled access to reporters across the country.

      Media Contact

      Melody is also the primary point of contact for the firm when the media needs a quote, interview, or comment about current events. If you are a member of the media, you can contact Melody by email at melody@versustexas.com, at the office (817) 203-2220 , or on her cell phone (817) 821-3935.

      Benson Varghese is the founder and managing partner of Varghese Summersett, where he has built a distinguished career championing the underdog in personal injury, wrongful death, and criminal defense cases. With over 100 jury trials in Texas state and federal courts, he brings exceptional courtroom experience and a proven record with Texas juries to every case.

      Under his leadership, Varghese Summersett has grown into a powerhouse firm with dedicated teams across three core practice areas: criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Beyond his legal practice, Benson is recognized as a legal tech entrepreneur as the founder of Lawft and a thought leader in legal technology.

      Benson is also the author of Tapped In, the definitive guide to law firm growth that has become essential reading for attorneys looking to scale their practices.

      Benson serves as an adjunct faculty at Baylor Law School.

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