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Heather A. Melone is the Principal Attorney at Wellspring. She was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) in 1997. After graduation, Heather spent three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand, where she focused on education and community outreach programs. When she returned to San Diego in 2000, she stayed committed to serving others and entered the legal field, starting as a legal assistant at a prominent criminal defense firm and steadily advancing through the ranks. Heather earned her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in 2005 while working full time, and she passed the California Bar Exam on her first attempt in 2006. She then spent thirteen years practicing criminal defense, gaining substantial courtroom and trial advocacy experience. For the past several years, Heather has brought those skills to professional license defense, representing clients whose careers are on the line in licensing board investigations and disciplinary proceedings. She has helped many clients obtain or protect their licenses and is known for her determined advocacy and her commitment to helping good people through difficult circumstances.
2
Practice Areas
7 years
12 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
State: California
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Heather online.
45 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Cost of Services
Posted by Amanda | April 29, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Licensing
Teacher License Application Savior
I had a complicated licensing case where I was trying to transfer my license from another state to California and couldn't decide how to answer some of the professional fitness questions. I discussed my case with eight other attorneys who did not seem confident in taking on the case. Heather was the ...
Hi Amanda, Thank you so much for the glowing review! I didn't realize that you had spoken to so many other attorneys regarding your matter and I am so happy to know that I earned your trust. More importantly, I am so pleased to obtain the result we were hoping for! While licensing cases do take a long time to resolve (we are dealing with governmental agencies after all) we persevered and obtained the absolute best outcome we could have hoped for in your case - the issuance of unrestricted credentials! While I trust that you will never need my assistance again, please know that I am only a phone call away to assist you in any future legal matter. I'd love to hear from you again in the future and receive periodic updates. Take care and welcome to teaching in California! :)
Posted by Franklin | March 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Great Attorney
Heather is an excellent attorney. When I hired Heather, I was at an uncertain time in my life. Having relatively recently been convicted of a 2nd DUI, my future and professional career hung in the balance. During our consultation, I was impressed with her demeanor, positive attitude, and bevy of k...
Wow Franklin, thank you so much for such a glowing review! However, I cannot take all the credit and would like to give a big shout-out to my amazing paralegal, Najia, for helping with your case! You really were a pleasure to work with during the pendency of your matter, even during those "set backs." We nevertheless persisted and are happy to know that you are finally able to close that chapter and focus on your bright future! Again, thank you so much for trusting Wellspring Law to assist you during your time of need. Best of luck to you Franklin!
Posted by Jeremy | December 20, 2015 | Hired Attorney
Other Lawyers should take notes from Heather
Heather is THE lawyer. She is treats you as if you are her only client, doesn't judge you, talks to you like you are a person not a client, and she is relentless in her pursuits. She is a genuine person and unlike most other lawyers she doesn't drag you along for more money. Seeing what she went t...
Posted by Renee | November 11, 2014
I HIghly Recommend Heather Melone for Your Legal Issues
I met Ms. Melone via a professional referral, which was over five years. Ms. Melone is very responsive and always available to meet your legal needs. She is not judgmental and is a very compassionate person. She keeps you informed of the process and is reasonable in price. I always felt reassured tha...
Posted by MIA | April 17, 2013 | DUI & DWI
A Genuine Life Saver!
My case seemed hopeless. Three DUI's within a short period of time is dreadful!! After the second DUI I asked for a lawyer recommendation from my bail bondsman -- who immediately gave me Heather Melone's name. I was impressed with her sincerity from the first moment. She organized it all, in...
"Heather is THE go to attorney in San Diego for all licensing related issues. She is responsive, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. She has helped many clients accused of criminal misconduct retain their professional licenses, while also providing information to assist in the criminal process. I highly endorse Heather!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Heather for many years and we are on the board for the East County San Diego Bar Association. Heather is very dependable and if she says she's going to get something done she certainly does. I know she fights hard for her clients and does her best to get them great results."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ms. Melone for a very long time and have had the pleasure of working with her on a number of criminal cases. I continue to be impressed with her work ethic and her untiring compassion for her clients are impressive."
"This attorney works very hard for the client and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."
"Your resume speaks for itself and I consider you a valuable member of the attorney community. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone who needs your services. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer!"
"Heather is not only a skilled attorney but she cares about each of her clients. She goes the extra mile to explain the procedure of a case to her clients so that they are comfortable when they enter the courtroom with her. I endorse Heather Melone."
"I highly endorse this lawyer's work. I have know Heather for over 10 years both personally and professionally. She is a hardworking, dedicated, criminal defense attorney. She is compassionate and cares deeply for her clients. She is well liked by all. I would not hesitate to recommend her."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ms. Melone for many years now. I used to supervise her when we worked together for a large criminal defense firm. Ms. Melone was always prepared, thorough, and aggressive. More importantly, she goes over and beyond what most attorneys do in order to represent her client. She has the best attorney/client relationships that you could imagine. Ms. Melone has a huge heart, and it really shows in her representation of clients."
"It is with great pleasure I endorse my friend and former colleague, Heather Melone, in the field of criminal defense. Heather is a true "Freedom Fighter," as her license plate one stated. Her passion for her clients is extrememely apparent no matter what type of charges."
"I endorse this lawyer. I met this lawyer in law school. Knowing what I know now, I would have gone to law school just to meet Ms. Melone. She's a true advocate and amazing friend. Just who you want in your corner when life gets rough."
"Heather has always been an extremely hard working lawyer, and I have personally watched her defend many clients. For this reason, I endorse Heather Melone."
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Appeals lawyer
2026
Volunteer Attorney of the Year, East County San Diego Bar Association
2025
Women In Leadership Award, East County Chamber of Commerce
2025
Gold Winner - Best Attorney, Best of La Mesa Awards
2023
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2014
Client Choice Award, AVVO
2013
Client Choice Award, AVVO
2021 - Present
Founder & Managing Attorney, Wellspring Law
2019 - 2021
Senior Associate Attorney, MURPHY JONES APC
2008 - 2019
Managing Attorney, Law Office of Heather A. Melone
2006 - 2008
Attorney, Steigerwalt & Associates
2005 - 2005
Certified Intern, San Diego Public Defender's Office
2000 - 2005
Legal Assistant & Law Clerk, Steigerwalt & Associates
2026 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationEast County Regional Representative
2024 - Present
San Diego Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2020 - Present
California Association of Attorneys in the Healthcare ProfessionMember
2014 - Present
National Association Of Women Business Owners
2006 - Present
State Bar of California
2025 - 2026
East County San Diego Bar AssociationImmediate Past President
2024 - 2025
East County San Diego Bar AssociationPresident
2018 - 2026
East County San Diego Bar AssociationDirector
Case Dismissed
Dismisssed on 995 motion
Case Dismissed on Day of Trial
Case Dismissed on Day of Trial
Case Dismissed prior to Preliminary Hearing
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Probation
Probation
Letter of Public Reproval
Letter of Public Reproval
Investigation Closed Without Discipline
Investigation Closed Without Discipline
Accusation Withdrawn Prior to Hearing
Probation
2005
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
BS - Bachelor of Science
2024
Administrative Law & Criminal Defense
2023
Administrative Law & Criminal Defense
2022
Administrative Law - Policy & Procedure
Thai
English
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