Melissa A. Meister is a Senior Counsel in the San Francisco office of GRSM. Melissa’s practice focuses on the successful defense of employers in a variety of legal matters, including internal investigations, pre-litigation demands, administrative claims, arbitrations, and lawsuits in both state and federal court. Melissa has represented all types of employers, but has particular experience with startup and technology companies, including those in the financial technology, cryptocurrency/blockchain, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biological research industries.
Prior to joining GRSM, Melissa has accumulated approximately 20 years of experience in handling trials and appeals in both criminal and civil cases, including as a Department of Justice Honors Trial Attorney and Assistant United States Attorney. Melissa has first-chaired numerous jury trials to verdict, briefed and argued dozens of appeals throughout the United States, represented her clients before regulatory agencies, and participated in many arbitrations and mediations. She has also performed dozens of internal and workplace investigations, including at Fortune 500 companies, public institutions, and small businesses. Melissa was a Judicial Clerk for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals after law school and she taught legal writing at her alma mater, the University of Arizona College of Law, for many years.
Admissions
- California
- Arizona
- Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
- U.S. District Court, Northern, Central, Eastern and Southern Districts of California
- U.S. District Court, Court for Arizona
Memberships
- National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, Board Member
Community Involvement
- U.S. Soccer Certified Soccer Coach, 2023 – Present
- AYSO Youth Soccer Coach, 2022 – Present
- Little League Coach, 2022 – 2023