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Heather Ann Melone
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About Heather
Biography
Attorney Heather A. Melone is the Principal Attorney at Wellspring. Heather was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara (“UCSB”) in 1997. After graduating from UCSB, Heather spent the next three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand focusing on education and community outreach programs. After returning to San Diego in 2000, Heather was determined to continue helping others and was quickly offered a position as a legal assistant for a prominent criminal defense law firm in San Diego where she “worked her way up the ranks.” Heather balanced working full-time while earning her Juris Doctorate degree from California Western School of Law in 2005 and passed the California Bar examination on her first attempt in 2006.
For the next thirteen years, Heather practiced criminal defense and developed a robust set of trial advocacy skills which she has employed on behalf of professional license defense clients for the past several years. Heather’s exceptional trial skills and devotion to helping good people through bad situations makes her a zealous advocate on behalf of her clients. Heather has successfully assisted numerous clients in obtaining and/or protecting their professional licenses and is eager to help others who may be facing disciplinary proceedings instituted by their professional licensing Board.
At Wellspring Law we are committed to protecting your professional license and preserving your livelihood as if it were our own.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Administrative Law
95%
7 years
Criminal Defense
5%
12 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2023 2014 2013
Licenses
Licensed in California for 19 years
State: California
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Online Presence
Other places you can find Heather online.
Heather Ann Melone's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
41 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (41)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (26)
Advocacy (25)
Professionalism (18)
Practice Area Knowledge (13)
Recommendation (13)
General Knowledge (12)
Responsiveness (11)
Communication Style (10)
Character & Conduct (8)
Compassion (7)
Trustworthiness (7)
Cost of Services (5)
Staff & Support (3)
Punctuality (2)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 41 reviews
Posted by anonymous | March 17, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Highly Recommend
I had a great experience working with Heather. She was knowledgeable, responsive, and truly made my case a priority. She remained supportive while navigating obstacles and ultimately achieved the best possible outcome. Heather took the time to explain everything clearly and was always available to...
Heather Melone
Replied last March 18, 2026Thank you so much for sharing your feedback! I am so happy that we were persistent in pushing for the right outcome in your case. Thank you for trusting me when I told you I believed we could do better than the settlement offer the agency kept pushing. The outcome truly was the absolute best that we could have hoped for in your case and I am so pleased to know that you will not be burdened with any unnecessary probationary terms. Take care and I wish you all the best in your future personal and professional endeavors. Please keep in touch!
Posted by Eric | March 11, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Education
Teaching credential
Heather Melone helped and guided me through a difficult process as I renewed my teaching credential. Heather is patient, understanding, and caring. Always replied and kept me update on everything. Highly recommend!
Heather Melone
Replied last March 17, 2026Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review! I am happy that your credential has been renewed and that you can continue to be a wellspring of service to your students and the school community!
Posted by Kendra | February 23, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law
Excellent Representation
Heather Melone and her paralegal, Najia, were exceptional throughout my entire case. Heather is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and confident, and she guided me through every step of the process with clarity and honesty. She made a very stressful situation feel manageable and always had a clea...
Heather Melone
Replied last February 25, 2026Thank you for your review Kendra! It has been such an honor and pleasure to represent you in your legal matter and we are very happy to have been a source of comfort and security during the process. You were the absolute ideal client who was very proactive in helping us gather the documentation and information that we needed to do the best job for you. You made our job so much easier and we are ecstatic with the result that we were able to obtain in your case! Congratulations on the outcome and we wish you all the best in your future personal and professional endeavors. Please keep in touch!
Posted by Janie | October 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law
Not just a Lawyer, Heather and her team were my lifeline.
When I faced a licensing issue that threatened my ability to continue teaching, a situation rooted in a clerical error within a court-coded document. I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about how to navigate the complex legal and administrative systems ahead. The stakes were high, involving multiple age...
Heather Melone
Replied last February 25, 2026Thank you for your glowing review Janie! I am so happy that we were able to provide you with the guidance needed to resolve your matter successfully. It is truly unfortunate that administrative clerical errors could cause such turmoil in your professional life, but being able to help you through that difficult situation is what "fills my cup." It is such an honor to help good people through bad situations and I know that you will go on to be a wellspring of service to others in your own profession. Thank you for what YOU do!!
Posted by anonymous | June 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney
A Lawyer Who Truly Cares
I had an exceptional experience with Heather. Not only is she highly skilled and knowledgeable in her craft, but she also took the time to connect with me on a human level. She truly understood the emotions I was going through and made sure I felt supported and taken care of throughout the entire pro...
Heather Melone
Replied last June 16, 2025Wow. This review made me verklempt and really made my day! Thank you so much for providing such an outstanding review!! I am honored that you entrusted Wellspring Law to assist you in your time of need, and am really happy that you were satisfied with our work and representation. While I hope that you do not ever require my legal services again, please know that I am just a phone call away! Best of luck to you in all of your future endeavors.
Heather Ann Melone's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
Logan Noblin
Criminal defense lawyer
Andrea Schneider
Family lawyer
Samantha Greene
Criminal defense lawyer
Alan Macina
Appeals lawyer
Experience
Honors
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
Work Experience
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
Associations
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
Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
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
Sample of Legal Cases
Kidnapping & Sexual Assault
Case Dismissed
PC 211 - Robbery
Dismisssed on 995 motion
PC 245 - Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon
Case Dismissed on Day of Trial
PC 243(e)(1) - Domestic Violence
Case Dismissed on Day of Trial
PC 261(A)(2) - Rape by Force
Case Dismissed prior to Preliminary Hearing
PC 288 - Lewd Conduct on a Minor Under 14 Years
Case Dismissed
HS 11377(a) - Possession of a Controlled Substance
Case Dismissed
BRN Case - Vehicular Manslaughter Conviction
Probation
CTC - Third DUI Conviction Case
Probation
BRN - DUI Conviction with high BAC, accident & Hit and Run
Letter of Public Reproval
BRN - DUI conviction with high BAC and accident
Letter of Public Reproval
MBC - Domestic Violence Investigation
Investigation Closed Without Discipline
Board of Behavioral Sciences - Investigation into Misleading Advertising and Unlicensed Practice
Investigation Closed Without Discipline
DSS - Exclusion Action for DV Arrest
Accusation Withdrawn Prior to Hearing
Physical Therapy Board - Conviction for DUI & Under the Influence of Controlled Substances
Probation
Education
2005
California Western School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
University of California Santa Barbara
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2024
Community Free Legal Clinic
Administrative Law & Criminal Defense
2023
Community Free Legal Clinic
Administrative Law & Criminal Defense
2022
San Diego County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Administrative Law - Policy & Procedure
Languages
Thai
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I be denied a Counselor License in Texas for a DWI deferred adjudication that occurred 29 years ago?
09 Jul 2019
Q&A
Im in los angeles and have court order community service and want to no do u have to pay to do it cause i have no money?
11 Jul 2019
Q&A
Can I get my late husband's medical records
09 Jul 2019