Melissa works closely with clients to resolve labor and employment matters through arbitration, mediation, and/or litigation. She defends employers in matters involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour, and whistleblower claims. Melissa also represents employers defending class actions, representative actions under California's Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), and unfair labor practice proceedings governed by collective-bargaining agreements and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Additionally, Melissa represents employers in investigations brought by various government agencies, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Civil Rights Department (formerly Department of Fair Employment and Housing).
Melissa prides herself on finding practical and creative solutions that both comply with the complexities of federal, state, and local labor and employment law, and take into account the day-to-day realities of her clients' businesses. In her practice, Melissa regularly provides guidance on the constantly evolving employment laws in California and counsels clients on personnel matters and company-wide policies.
While she was in law school, Melissa served as a judicial extern to the Honorable David O. Carter, U.S. District Court, Central Division of California, and prior to law school she worked on data privacy issues at Google. She serves on the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, and actively provides pro bono legal representation. An avid runner, hiker, and National Park aficionado, Melissa has completed the 211-mile John Muir Trail.
