Melanie Tardell

Melanie Tardell

Signified Law
  • Civil Rights, Employment Law
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Biography

Melanie is a fierce advocate of those whose legally protected rights have been violated, especially as it relates to violations in the workplace and the service industry as a result of Covid-19 policies. She has teamed up with a network of gifted California attorneys to combine efforts in the fight to sustain our constitutional rights in the wake of the pandemic.

While on a different life and career path, fate stepped in and the legal profession found Melanie. After overcoming her own legal challenges, largely due to an attorney's advocacy, she felt called to become a lawyer herself. Her experience as a client gives her an insightful perspective on what clients face while her education provides an understanding of the legal attributes of each case. Having genuine empathy, a knack for research and writing, and a tenacious spirit, Melanie aims to advocate for and empower each client by helping them navigate their case and move beyond adversity.

Over the years, Melanie grew disheartened as she observed others' disappointment in their legal matters. Between wanting to offer people an improved legal experience and knowing that Big Law was not her path, Melanie was motivated to open a client-friendly law practice built on integrity, compassion, and accessibility. As a result, Signified Law was born.

While obtaining her Juris Doctorate degree, Melanie became a certified mediator and subsequently co-created a divorce mediation program at the Mandel Gisnet Center for Conflict Management in Monterey County. She also interned for a child advocacy law firm, attending family court alongside judges, social workers, counselors, and attorneys in the pursuit of reunifying separated families.

Melanie is a member of the California Lawyers Association. She is also a published author, writing for the organization A Voice For Choice Advocacy.

Melanie is grateful on a daily basis for having a faith in God that grounds her in all of her pursuits.

Practice Areas
Civil Rights
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Discrimination, Employment
Employment Law
Employment Discrimination, Wrongful Termination
Additional Practice Areas
  • Legal Writing & Research
  • Demand Letter Services
  • Name Changes
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Professional Experience
Founder/Principal Attorney
Signified Law
- Current
Signified Law was founded by a lawyer with a passion for civil rights and a habit of helping the underdog, especially as it relates to religious and medical freedoms in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We operate in Northern California in the East Bay with most services available statewide.
Attorney
Self-employed
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Practicing family Law (divorce & child custody) and offering legal writing services (demand letters).
Interning Attorney
Law Office Of Heidi Simonson
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Interned for and was mentored by the highly respected Heidi Simonson, Esq. Under Ms. Simonson’s guidance, I practiced family law, working on divorce, child custody, guardianships of the person, and adoption cases.
Divorce Mediator/Small Claims Advisor
Mandel Gisnet Center For Conflict Management
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Divorce Mediation: Co-created a divorce mediation program at the Mandel Gisnet Center for Conflict Management in Monterey County. Mediated divorcing couples and helped facilitate a productive environment as they created their own fair solutions. Small Claims: Helped advise and train community members regarding their small claims issues.
Education
Monterey College of Law
J.D. (2016) | Law
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Honors: Moot Court Finalist
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Cabrillo College
A.S. (2012) | Undergrad
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Professional Associations
Maximum Lawyer
Member
- Current
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State Bar of California  # 317239
Member
- Current
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California Lawyers Association: Family Law Section
Member
- Current
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Certifications
Family Law Mediation
Conflict Resolution Center Of Santa Cruz County
Community Mediation
Conflict Resolution Center Of Santa Cruz County
Websites & Blogs
Website
Social Media
Contact & Map
Signified Law
14850 Highway 4
Ste A # 236
Discovery Bay, CA 94505
Telephone: (925) 400-8765
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Friday: 9 AM - 1 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: VIRTUAL OFFICE ONLY NOTICE: To be more accessible to clients, all scheduled meetings during business hours will be through online video conferencing unless otherwise arranged.