Melissa’s practice is grounded in a deep litigation foundation developed through decades of navigating complex claims and coverage matters. She has litigated in state and federal courts, primarily in California, including matters involving allegations of bad faith and multi‑party cases with claimed damages exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars. Judges, mediators, opposing parties and counsel, and clients consistently commend her professionalism, creativity, and highly effective negotiation style. She is known for her ability to balance legal strategy with business objectives, often resolving disputes efficiently and avoiding unnecessary litigation costs.

As a trusted advisor, Melissa provides pre-litigation counseling and advice on complex coverage and claims handling issues in California and nationwide. Her experience spans first-party claims under homeowners, business, cyber, and pollution policies, as well as third-party liability claims involving, among others, medical professional liability, life sciences, directors and officers, employment practices, lawyers malpractice, commercial general liability, environmental liability, and emerging risks such as media technology and cyber.

She also serves as monitoring counsel, guiding clients through the full life cycle of complex claims.