Melanie Bernstein Chapman, an accomplished civil litigator with nearly three decades of experience, is Of Counsel with Cardinale Fayard|Medical Defense Law Group. She is a highly skilled medical malpractice defense attorney, representing a broad range of healthcare providers, including physicians, mid-level providers, nurses, dentists, mental health professionals, hospitals, and nursing homes, in both medical malpractice litigation and administrative or disciplinary proceedings.

As part of her healthcare defense practice, Melanie also defends federal civil rights claims brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, representing medical professionals who provide care to inmates in correctional facilities throughout California and Nevada. In addition, she represents legal and other licensed professionals in professional liability actions and regulatory matters. She appears regularly in state and federal courts in Nevada and California, as well as before numerous licensing boards and regulatory agencies. Melanie also has significant experience advising insurers on complex insurance coverage and risk management issues.

Since joining Cardinale Fayard in 2022, Melanie has also expanded her practice to include litigation involving property damage, product liability, land disputes, and Indian law.

Before joining Cardinale Fayard, Melanie served as General Counsel for the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners, where she oversaw administrative law matters, regulatory compliance, and disciplinary proceedings. Prior to serving the Nevada dental community, she practiced with respected medical malpractice defense, civil litigation, and insurance coverage firms in both Las Vegas and South Florida.

Raised in Las Vegas, Melanie is proud to serve the Nevada healthcare and legal communities. She graduated with honors from The George Washington University Law School, where she earned top Moot Court awards and served on the Moot Court Board. She received her bachelor’s degree cum laude from Brandeis University.

Melanie is based in, and currently manages, the firm’s Las Vegas office. She is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Nevada, California, and Florida (inactive). Outside of her practice, she enjoys life in Las Vegas with her husband and their two nearly-adult children.