First of all, although his name is "Mark Daniel", Mr. Melnick is known to his friends as simply "Dan" (it's a long story).
Dan Melnick was born in Santa Monica, California and he grew up in the San Fernando Valley. After high school he got a job working for United Artists as a production assistant and spent nearly a year in Yugoslavia making (and appearing in) the movie Fiddler on the Roof. Upon his return to the U.S. Dan attended UCLA and graduated in 1975. Following his graduation from UCLA he went to work helping a family friend finish building a 60 foot cement sail boat and helped him sail it to Hawaii during the summer of 1975. With 2500 miles and 3 months of sailing behind him Dan returned and attended Law School at the University of San Fernando Valley School of law, graduating in 1978. During his years in college and law school he worked and supported himself as a night crew and deli clerk at Ralphs Grocery store in Sherman Oaks. Notably, Dan is still friends with many of his old coworkers from his days of stocking shelves.
Shortly after passing the Bar exam Mr. Melnick went to work in Chicago as a management labor law and labor relations consultant for the premiere consulting firm in the country. In 1983 he again returned to the Los Angeles area to practice labor law, but that didn't last long. Early in his practice Mr. Melnick was referred a criminal case for trial. He tried the case and realized that criminal defense was his calling. It was in criminal defense that he felt he was able to truly provide a service that helped people on a personal level. Instead of reading contracts and arguing with management and unions he was able to work in a court room directly with his clients and juries. Most importantly, instead of helping big companies he was now able to protect "the little Guy" from the often oppressive government prosecutors. Since that first case, Dan Melnick has handled thousands of criminal cases of virtually every type, large and small, and to this day he continues to fight for the individual.
In his spare time Dan is an avid ice hockey player and he has played all over the world including Austria, Australia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Fifteen years ago one of the local leagues was named in his honor when the name was changed to the "Melnick Division". He is also a licensed Scuba Instructor and a commercially licensed sea captain with a fifty ton masters license. In 2002, Dan sold his law practice and left for an extended cruise on his sailboat. After sailing the waters of Mexico and Central America all the way to Costa Rica (4000 miles) in all kinds of weather, Dan returned to Los Angeles in 2006 and returned to the practice of law.
Because of his background, Dan can relate to people from all walks of life., He is a guy who is comfortable in a tuxedo or shorts and a t-shirt. He can (and has) fit in at the best Beverly Hills bistro or the corner bar in Van Nuys. All of his experience and success, legal and otherwise, gives Dan Melnick the knowledge, patience, understanding and strength to deal with the stess and concerns of his clients and the ability to sucessfully fight the stringent demands of the legal system.
I will take your calls day or night. No one else!
I will make time for you.
We will not be strangers and all your questions will get answers.
It's more than buisness, it's personal! That's my commitment to my clients."
Dan Melnick
Practice areas
42 years
42 years
42 years
7 years
42 years
Languages spoken
English
14401 Sylmar St
Suite 201
Van Nuys, CA, 91401
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 1979 | 10/28/2020 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Certificate of Appreciation | Municipal Court of Los Angeles | 1991 |
Certificate of Appreciation | Municipal Court of Los Angeles | 1989 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Melnick & Spindel | 2006 - Present |
Defense Attorney | Mary Magdalene Project | 1999 - 2006 |
Judge Pro Tem | Los Municipal Court | 1989 - 1991 |
Professor | Northroup University | 1983 - 1984 |
Attorney | Law Offices of Mark Daniel Melnick | 1983 - 2006 |
In House Counsel | Hockey America | 1983 - 1984 |
---|
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Officer | 2008 - Present |
USCG | Commercial Captain | 1998 - Present |
PADI | Instructor | 1991 - Present |
United States District Court for the District of Arizona | Member | 1990 - Present |
United States District Court for the Central District of California | Member | 1987 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Various | The ABCs Of The California Criminal Justice System | 2013 |
Self | Understanding California Drunk Driving Laws | 2007 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
San Fernando Valley College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1979 |
Univ of California at Los Angeles | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1975 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Money Leads Business Group | DUI and Drugs | 2014 |
PBX Business Group Meeting | Criminal Justice Misperceptions | 2010 |
Kennedy High School | Criminal Law and High School | 2009 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
People v L.R. | Case Dismissed |
People v M.S. | Case Dismissed |
Posted by Dan
Thu Oct 01 2009
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Amir Soleimanian, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 18, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Mark Cunningham, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Kelly Sheahen, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 20, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Melnick is an experienced advocate who has seen it all and knows everybody in town. His wise counsel, perfect legal instincts and friendly, approachable style not only make him an excellent attorney, but also a mentor for younger lawyers.
Peter Sebastian, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. If you want to to know exactly what to do in any possible criminal prosecution, ask Dan. He's seen it, done it, and knows how to handle it. He's also a very nice, approachable guy who will go out of his way to help. If I were in a jam, I would call Dan.
Taylor House, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 16, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Diana Aizman, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 18, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Daniel Perlman, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 28, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Dan is a caring, experienced lawyer who's seen it all and is always ready to drop what he's doing to come to the aid of someone in trouble. I can't recommend him highly enough for anyone in trouble or seeking answers.