Melissa Dougherty Esq.

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.