Amber Melius handles a broad range of complex litigation matters. Her recent areas of practice include entertainment, copyright, employment, contract and other commercial disputes.  She has represented clients in federal and state courts, both inside and outside of the State of California.

Ms. Melius’ trial work has involved the successful defense of two local diamond wholesalers who were sued by a Swiss dealer and others claiming to have been dispossessed of millions’ worth of precious stones.  See Emile Chayto S.A. v. Oved Anter, BC347759 (L.A. Super Ct., verdict Dec. 12, 2007); Ishaia Trading Corp. v. Oved Anter, BC341830 (L.A. Super. Ct., verdict Dec. 12, 2007).  The case also bears the distinction of being named by the Daily Journal as one of the “Top 10 Defense Verdicts” for 2007.

Most recently, Ms. Melius represented Oakwood Worldwide in a lawsuit alleging smoking in the outdoor common areas of one of its apartment complexes constituted a public nuisance.  The case, which Ms. Melius second-chaired, went to trial in 2011 and resulted in a complete victory for the client.  Ms. Melius continues to represent Oakwood Worldwide in the case’s appeal, as well as in other matters.

Ms. Melius also has experience in government tort claims matters.  She was involved in the unprecedented $20M settlement on behalf of Jaycee Dugard, based on claims brought against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) for alleged failure to adequately supervise Dugard’s captor, Phillip Garrido, during the 10 years Garrido was under the CDCR’s parole supervision.  Ms. Melius is currently representing Dugard in a federal action brought against the United States based on its parole supervision of Garrido.

Ms. Melius is a graduate of Stanford University (A.B., 1998, Economics and Political Science) and received her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2003.  She is also a member of the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA) and has been named as one of Super Lawyers magazine’s Rising Stars.