Melissa K. Zonne

Melissa is a skilled trial lawyer who advocates for commercial and individual clients on complex matters in state and federal courts throughout California and nationwide. She provides diligent and creative representation through all phases of litigation to achieve each client’s unique goals.

Melissa’s diverse practice focuses on business litigation, including partnership, contract, and corporate asset disputes, and a variety of real estate matters including commercial lease and ownership disputes, construction defect and construction contract litigation, and rent reset arbitration. She represents owners, developers, landlords and commercial tenants.

Melissa also maintains an active employment practice, representing both employers and employees in matters involving discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour disputes. She has recently litigated novel issues regarding the 2022 End Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act and has several matters related to sex and sexual harassment claims. In addition to litigating disputes, Melissa also frequently negotiates and advises on executive separations on behalf of both employers and employees and counsel clients through private mediation.

Melissa has successfully led teams in trial in federal and state court, in private arbitration, and in the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. 

Melissa's experience includes:

• Successful settlement of harassment, retaliation, disability discrimination, and wrongful termination cases filed against employer in the fashion industry
• Represented a nationwide luxury clothing and textiles company in a number of breach of contract lawsuits with suppliers and manufacturers
• Represented a business owner alleging elder abuse and fraud in connection with nine-figures in corporate assets
• Obtained early dismissal in an employment lawsuit in which a pro per plaintiff sought seven-figure damages for numerous claims alleged against his former employer and several executives
• Won a jury trial verdict and six-figure damages for an individual plaintiff in a breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation case in which the plaintiff sought compensatory damages and lost profits related to a dispute with his bank
• Won a complete defense award for developer client against former partner pursuing an illegitimate finder's fee and commission
• Successfully defended a developer in trial against a former partner pursuing unearned consulting fees
• Secured favorable decision in a fair market rent arbitration hearing for client developer against a commercial tenant
• Obtained a favorable settlement for a large government contractor for defective construction against its architect, contractor, and project manager; defeated a motion for summary judgment
• Represented the owner/developer of a prominent high-rise office tower in a lawsuit against an all-risk carrier for breach of insurance policy arising out of damage to the building
• Negotiated lease dispute between nationwide retail company and commercial landlord

Perspectives

Parental Leave Takes Center Stage in Employment Updates, While California Leads on AI, ICE Workplace Regulations (December 2025)