$ 350-550 per hour
Meldie Marie Moore
About Meldie
Biography
I am a mother. I am a lawyer. I specilaize in childrens law, specifically adoption, assisted reproduction technology law, school discipline and special education.
Passion for public service led me to a career in the Orange County District Attorney's Office where I served as a prosecutor for 16 years. During that time, I completed over 100 criminal trials. I was assigned to Juvenile Court for a year and a half early in my career. I felt very strongly about my responsibility, even as a prosecutor, to do what was in the best interest of the child.
After felony panel, I was assigned to vertically prosecute felony domestic violence cases. I also specialized in legal research and writing for several years. I researched, wrote, and argued over 250 felony motions, and I argued before the Court of Appeal. I also developed and conducted training for the Orange County District Attorney's Office, various police agencies, colleges, and law schools. For outstanding service to victims and witnesses of domestic violence, I was awarded the "Courts Community Service Award" by Victim Assistance Programs, CSP, Inc. I was also recognized as a "Diligent Prosecutor" by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).
I taught as an adjunct professor at Western State School of Law in 2004 and 2005, teaching one class on research and writing, and two classes on domestic violence.
In 2009, I earned my L.L.M. in Prosecutorial Science, at Chapman University School of Law. My studies included Advanced Professional Responsibility, Advanced Criminal Procedure, Appellate Practice and Procedure, Advanced Evidence, Criminal Law and Psychology, Handling the Homicide Case, and Jursidprudence. As part of the Directed Research program, I researched and authored a legal article on the asportation element of kidnapping which was published in the California State Bar Journal in 2011.
In 2010, after forming my own family through adoption and assisted reproduction technology, I left the District Attorney's office and formed a partnership where I could focus on children's law. We specialized in education law, adoptions, assisted reproduction law, and criminal defense of adults and juveniles.
In 2013, I opened Moore Law for Children, where I combine my compassion for family, committment to excellence, and extensive experience to provide outstanding competent legal service to my clients.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Education
46%
16 years | 352 cases
Adoption
32%
16 years | 207 cases
Family
20%
16 years | 191 cases
Estate Planning
1%
7 years | 6 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Pro bono
5 %
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 31 years
State: California
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Moore Law for Children, A Professional Corporation
361 Forest Avenue, Suite 201, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
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Meldie Marie Moore's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 34 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Powerhouse
Meldie has a reputation in the industry as a power house and she definitely lives up to it. She is a superstar!!! and is by far, the best. She was able to get Irvine Unified School District to cover my grandson's residential placement after a year long battle. I HIGHLY recommend her.
Meldie Moore
Replied last November 2, 2021We take pride in giving outstanding service to every client here at Moore Law for Children. And we are honored to have been abed to help your grandson get to the placement he needed. Thanks for leaving the wonderful review!
Posted by Matt | September 30, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Attorney
Meldie is a consummate professional and a powerful advocate for kids. Her staff is tremendous and I highly recommend
Meldie Moore
Replied last October 6, 2021Matt, thank you for your kind words. It is our honor to help families like yours.
Posted by anonymous | July 30, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Extremely Dissatisfied
We hired Meldie's Law firm to help us adopt a baby. When we first contacted her law office we were put in touch with an associate. She said all the right things, made it seem like they were successful in matching adoptive parents with birth mothers. They knew what they were talking about. It seemed p...
Meldie Moore
Replied last October 6, 2021We are very sorry you feel that way. We recognize that even under the best of circumstances the adoption process is extremely emotional and the outcome can be uncertain. As an adoptive mother and an adoptee, we dedicate our professional lives to making the process as stress free and successful as possible but we recognize and share the heartbreak when matters don’t turn out as we hope. The vast majority of our clients praise us for our exceptional professionalism and high ethical standards. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly regarding your experience.
Posted by Maryam | June 25, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Very caring
I just want to be a testimony of how caring and reliable Meldie has been to me. They are very understanding and trustable. If you have any case regarding adoption they are the right people and right law firm. I was very lucky to find them. I found them through googling because of their high rating an...
Posted by A Frightened Dad | December 4, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Really helped us understand the process
We spoke with Meldie in reference to our son getting suspended and potentially expelled. She really knew her stuff and explained things in great detail. She is not cheap - but keeping your kid in school is well worth the money.
Meldie Marie Moore's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Moore provides a much-needed service on Avvo and donates time to individuals who are in need of immediate legal answers."
"When Meldie Moore says she cares and fights for children she is speaking the truth. I watched as Meldie devoted herself to helping 3 orphaned siblings secure the safest most loving family environment for their future guardianship. Meldie is responsive and makes herself available at all hours to help her clients. I couldn't give a higher recommendation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred Ms. Moore several times and she always does an outstanding job! My clients are fans of of her firm and how she has handle the matter. I would highly recommend Ms. Moore"
"Meldie is an expert in the field of adoption and education law and is highly recommended."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Meldie and I worked together on an education matter that involved significant legal and political issues. Meldie is a work horse and will do whatever it takes to zealously represent her client. I was able to reach Meldie at all hours including weekends which was critical to the pressure and timing of getting our issue in front of the local government body. She knows how to advocate for her client while bringing practical skills to the table. She is such a pleasure to team with!"
"Meldie is a caring, fearless and experienced attorney, forming a unique combination of qualities that would benefit clients seeking help with sometimes emotionally complicated situations. I highly recommend her."
"If you are looking for someone who is honest, highly intelligent and truly compassionate, look no further. I have known Meldie Moore for almost 20 years and could not think of a more caring and devoted professional. She is an extremely hard worker, is resourceful and makes sure things get done right the first time. Once you meet her you will see what I mean. Do not hesitate to call her and get the best legal advice from someone who is at the top of her field, you will not be disappointed."
"I am very happy to endorse Meldie. Having known Meldie for several years and even opposed her in cases, I can say, first hand, she is an extremely well known, well respected and excellent attorney. Meldie has superior ethical values that are very hard to find in attorneys. I am more than confident that she will zealously represent her clients to the fullest extent of the law."
"I endorse this lawyer. Meldie has been my toughest opponent in 11 years of practice. She is super smart, methodical, and wins her cases. I respect her as a lawyer and friend. She definitely knows what she is doing and will undoubtedly provide proper legal representation on any case that she gets her hands on."
"I have known Meldie Moore professionally since 1995. I have no hesitation endorsing her for any potential client in need of an attorney in her area of practice. She is highly skilled, and committed to achieving the best results for her clients."
"Meldie is a very experienced lawyer with a true passion for her law practice. She provides each and every client with extra personal attention that is rare among lawyers. She has a kind and strong personality, and makes all of her clients feel at ease and very satisfied with her representation. I have known Meldie for many years, and I highly recommend her."
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Experience
Honors
2006
Community Service Award - Prosecutor, Victim Assistance Programs, CSP, Inc.
1998
Diligent Prosecutor, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Appointed Counsel Panel Member, Appellate Defenders, Inc.
2010 - Present
Partner, Gurwitz Moore, LLP.
2002 - 2003
Adjunct Professor, Chapman Law School
1994 - 2010
Deputy District Attorney, Orange County & District Attorney's Office
1993 - 1993
Intern Clerk to Justice Armand Arabian, California Supreme Court
Associations
2020 - Present
California Assocation of Lawyers for Education (CALE)Co-Founder and Co-President
2010 - Present
Orange County Women Lawyers Associationmember
1994 - Present
Orange County Bar Associationmember
1994 - 2010
California District Attorneys AssociationChairperson, Crime Charging Committee 2003
1994 - 2010
Orange County Deputy District AttorneysPresident, Vice-President, member
Education
2009
Chapman University School of Law
LL.M - Master of Laws
1994
Pepperdine Univ SOL
law
1990
Franklin & Marshall
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2015
Special Education Law in Dependency and Delinquency
Special Education
2014
Placement options in Special Education
Special Education
2003
Womens' Speaker's Bureau
Domestic Violence
Publications
2013
Orange County Lawyer
Senate Bill 115 Would Give Sperm Donors Standing to Petition for Paternity
2013
OC Family online publication
Education for Children with Special Needs: Answers Every Parent Should Know
2013
OC Family online publication
Adoption: It's Not Just for Babies.
2011
California Bar Criminal Law Journal
Going the Distance: The Asportation Requirement for Simple and Aggravated Kidnapping in California
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How would I go about an adult adoption if my stepparent lives in a different state than me?
24 May 2022
Q&A
Can my stepdad adopt me despite me being overage?
24 Dec 2021
Q&A
How do I make sure my ex doesn’t put our son up for adoption?
09 Dec 2021