- Building on decades of experience as a California litigator, Melissa has the insight and expertise to efficiently identify issues and discern on a case-by-case basis how to get stakeholders engaged to bring about resolution.
- With a primary background in complex construction litigation, she also has handled the spectrum of personal injury cases from slip-and-fall and two-party motor vehicle accidents to brain injuries, multi-vehicle pileups with fatalities, third-party liability cases arising from workers compensation accidents with catastrophic injuries, minor-involved cases, and a myriad of assault and battery cases.
- Desirous of remaining current in the discipline of alternative dispute resolution, she regularly participates in postgraduate educational programs to hone her skills.
- More hands on than some, her friendly and compassionate, yet frank and persistent approach provides a sound foundation for the candid dialogue required to achieve resolution.
Background: Born in Tokyo and raised in the military; married with two grown daughters; living and practicing law in Sacramento since 1990. Frequent speaker on litigation and ADR, enthusiastic supporter of the performing arts, and compassionate contributor to economic empowerment efforts benefiting our most vulnerable populations.
Education: San Diego State University (Political Science, Sociology minor), BA 1983; Monterey College of Law, JD 1987; Pepperdine University School Of Law, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Mediation studies 2010, 2014; 100-plus hours of mediation education since October 2010.
Licensee: California Bar, 1987-current
Membership: American Bar Association (Dispute Resolution), Sacramento County Bar Association (Chair, ADR Section).
Honors: AV-Preeminent - Highest peer rating for professional excellence; Sacramento Magazine's Top Lawyers, Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2016-2019.