Barbara Bell Melton ("Barbara") received her B.A. in Political Science in 1998 from University of Louisiana at Lafayette and her J.D., cum laude, in 2002 from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, graduating with William Crowe Scholar honors.

While in law school, Barbara was the chairperson for the Moot Court Board (2001-2002) and coach of a Moot Court Team (2000-2001). She received Law Excellence Awards in Property II and Courts in the Federal System. Additionally, she received both her Common Law and Civil Law certificates and was honored as a national member of the Order of Barristers.