Melba Pearson

A New York native, Melba Pearson has called Miami home for 20 years. After receiving her undergraduate degree at New York University, she completed her studies at Hofstra University School of Law. Ms. Pearson is the Deputy Director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida. Before joining the ACLU, Ms. Pearson was an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County for 16 years. She ended her piscatorial career in 2017 as Assistant Chief in the Career Criminal/Robbery Unit, supervising junior attorneys while prosecuting homicides. Ms. Pearson is a frequent guest lecturer on a wide array of law enforcement concerns. She serves as adjunct faculty for the University of Phoenix and Bryant and Stratton College, teaching law to undergraduate as well as master's students. A prolific writer and blogger, she has published numerous popular and scholarly articles on topics including police encounters, domestic violence, crimes against women, criminal trial procedure, along with everyday legal issues. Publications that have profiled, featured or quoted her include The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun, Essence Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Miami Herald, and Ebony Magazine. Ms. Pearson has been a regular guest on Sunday morning political television show "This Week in South Florida." She has also been a guest on national media regarding legal trends. Ms. Pearson has been extensively involved in various community groups and has taken every opportunity to spread the messages of the dangers of domestic violence, as well as the importance of self-empowerment. She has taken on a leadership/mentoring role in several charity organizations. Ms. Pearson is Past President of the National Black Prosecutors Association; Co-Chair of the Prosecution Function Committee of the American Bar Association; as well as the President of the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association in South Florida.