Melanie’s practice focuses on construction, products liability, class action, real estate, and professional liability litigation. Melanie has extensive experience representing industry leading real estate developers, home builders, general contractors, and subcontractors in breach of contract actions, claims arising out of the Right to Repair Act, and all aspects of complex construction defect litigation in both California and Arizona. She also defends real estate agents and brokers, as well as escrow companies, in connection with contract, title and escrow, and disclosure disputes.
Prior to joining Plante Huguenin Lebovic Kahn LLP, Melanie represented one of the big-three automobile manufacturers in high exposure products liability and employment litigation. Her litigation experience also includes representing businesses in State and Federal False Claim Act cases, defending employers in employment discrimination and wage and hour cases, and counseling homeowners in land use disputes. Melanie is also well versed in trademark and copyright law, compliance with U.S. and international guidelines regarding product labeling, and drafting employment contracts, licensing agreements, and exclusivity agreements.
Education
J.D., 2004, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Cum laude
Executive Board Member, Moot Court Society
American Jurisprudence Award – International Law
CALI Excellence Award – Constitutional Law
Dean’s List
B.A., 2000, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Cum laude
Medallion Scholarship Program
Practice Areas
Construction Litigation, Products Liability, Class Action, Real Estate, Professional Liability
Bar Admissions
Arizona, California, Washington
Contact: mwoodfin@phlklaw.com | 949-271-8700