Melissa Dougherty

Associate

Professional Bio

Melissa earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in finance and a minor in economics from California State University at Sacramento. She then went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from Drivon School of Law. While a law student, Melissa interned in the Office of the County Counsel working on a variety of issues from land use to civil rights. She also interned with the San Joaquin Collaborative Courts as defense counsel for those participating in the program. Prior to joining the firm, Melissa practiced civil litigation in the areas of medical malpractice defense and premises liability defense.

Melissa's practice focuses on criminal defense in a wide array or misdemeanor and minor felony cases. She particularly enjoys researching into obscure issues of law to become intimately familiar with the specific statutes and caseslaw applicable to her clients' cases.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the San Joaquin County Bar Association, and the American Inns of Court. Within the County Bar, Melissa serves on the executive committees for the Young Lawyers' and Women Lawyers' Sections. She also volunteers to teach civics to fifth graders thought the First Impressions program, and is working with girls and young women in local migrant encampments through the Just The Girls program.

Melissa has lifelong desire to help others, whether it be through her legal work or volunteering, she believes that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity.

Professional Associations

State Bar of California, Member
San Joaquin County Bar Association, Governor
American Inns of Court, Member

Practice Areas

Personal Injury
Premises Liability
Medical Malpractice
Animal Bites
Wrongful Death

Education

Humphreys College, Stockton, California
- Juris Doctorate
California State University, Sacramento, California
- Bachelors of Science in Business Administration
- Major: Finance
- Minor: Economics

Pro-Bono Activities

Just the Kids, 2019 to Present
First Impressions, 2018 to Present

Past Positions

Office of the County Counsel, Intern
San Joaquin Collaborative Courts, Intern

What Clients Say About Melissa

“Thank you again for the wonderful work and news yesterday. Adequate words to describe my appreciation escape me.”

Larry

“Thank you so much for everything! You didn’t stop fighting and helped me get closer to my goal. You are truly a great person. I was blessed to have you here with me. Praying the rest of your year is full of blessings and excitement. You are great! Keep up the work. Thank you from me and the kids. One step closer!”

Anonymous