Mayer partner Melanie Cheairs has been elected Vice-Chair of the ALFA International Board of Directors for the 2027–2028 term. The election took place at ALFA International’s Annual Business Meeting in Chicago, and Melanie will take on an expanded leadership role within the global legal network. 

ALFA International brings together approximately 140 independent law firms around the world. The network combines local market knowledge with established relationships across jurisdictions, allowing member firms to coordinate resources efficiently when legal needs extend beyond a single market. 

As Vice-Chair, Melanie will help guide the organization and its continued efforts to strengthen relationships, resources, and collaboration across its worldwide network. 

Melanie’s involvement with ALFA International spans more than two decades. She previously served on its Board of Directors from 2013 to 2016 and has chaired both the Hospitality & Retail Practice Group and the ALFA International Marketing Committee. She currently serves as Chair of the ALFA International Managing Partners Committee. 

An experienced trial lawyer based in Mayer’s Houston office, Melanie represents clients in the hospitality, retail, and transportation industries in commercial disputes and catastrophic loss matters. 

Mayer has served as ALFA International’s Houston member firm since 2023. Melanie’s election deepens the firm’s involvement in a network built around collaboration, local insight, and coordinated service across markets.