Judge Melanie M. Lira

Judge Melanie M. Lira was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. As the first U.S.-born citizen in her family, she grew up navigating both the struggles of a migrant life and the unique responsibilities that come with being a first-generation American. These early experiences shaped her perspective and sparked a lifelong dedication to education, justice, and service.

At just 16, Melanie began her college education at San Antonio College, where she discovered the transformative power of learning. She later transferred to the University of Houston, where she explored a variety of academic paths before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History and Religious Studies.

Before graduating, Melanie was accepted into the University of Denver’s Iliff School of Theology, where she pursued a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies. It was during this time that she began working with nonprofits that served undocumented communities—a turning point that revealed her true calling: legal advocacy. After completing her graduate studies, she returned to San Antonio, determined to become a lawyer, and began preparing for law school.

Melanie earned her J.D. from St. Mary’s School of Law in 2015. While in law school, she also completed a second Master’s Degree in International Relations, focusing on conflict resolution, and graduated in the top five percent of her class.

Throughout her career, Melanie has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice, both at home and abroad. From 2014 to 2017, she worked with the nonprofit Amal ou Salam to support Syrian refugee children. In 2015, she was honored with the Alice Wright Franzke Feminist Award and the Justice Alma Lopez Women in Law Leadership Award.

Prior to being elected, Melanie serves as an Immigration Staff Attorney at The Treviño Law Firm, a Bexar County Court-Appointed Attorney, and an immigration attorney at her own firm, Lira | Cazares Defense Firm, PLLC—where she reserved 40% of her cases for pro bono representation.

As Judge of County Court-at-Law 7, Melanie brought compassion, diligence, and leadership to the bench. In just two and a half years, she presided over more than 45 trials, prioritized fairness and efficiency, and fostered a healthy balance of hard work and wellness among her staff. Most importantly, she remained grounded in the community that raised her—committed to serving it with integrity every step of the way.