Melissa Sayer, Principal

melissa@matilijalaw.com

For more than twenty years, Melissa’s advice has helped businesses and entrepreneurs of all sizes thrive. After finishing first in her  law school class at Santa Clara School of Law and working with  some of the top firms in Silicon Valley and Ventura County, she launched Matilija Law to deliver practical and thoughtful counsel in an efficient manner suited to the needs of a contemporary business. Melissa believes that careful attention early is always preferable to litigation later, and strives to make sure issues are identified and resolved in advance.

When not in the office, she might be found at her citrus and avocado ranch near Santa Paula; an experience that has deepened her appreciation for the challenges faced by farmers and small businesses in our region.  In addition to spending time on the ranch with her goats, dogs, cats and chickens, she spends time kayaking and training for her next 10K.

Practice Areas

Business launch and Entity formation

Business and Asset sales

Mergers and Acquisitions

General Counsel and Governance

Contracts and Terms and Conditions

Manufacturing, Sales & Service Agreements

Water and Agriculture

Private Equity and Capital Raising

Medical / Professional Partnerships and Corporations

Leasing and Real Estate

Credentials and Recognition

2017 Pacific Coast Business Times:”Who’s Who in Professional Services”

2017 Trusted Advisers Finalist: San Fernando Valley Business Journal

2017 Finalist Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award: Spirit of Entrepreneurship Foundation

2018, 2017 US (PACIFIC COAST) – GAMECHANGER OF THE YEAR, Gamechangers Magazine, ACQ5

2018 Women Leader in the Law (ALM)

Pacific Coast Business Times:“Top 50 Women in Business”  2014, 2015

Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating (Highest Rating) (ongoing)

Pacific Coast Business Times: “40 under 40”

State Bar of California and Ventura County Bar Association

JD, Santa Clara University , Summa Cum Laude (1994)

BA Eckerd College (1989) Environmental Studies/Earth Sciences
Political Science

Community

Executive Committee-California State University Channel Islands Business and Technology Partnership

Board Member-Ventura County Economic Development Association

Founding Member, League of Extraordinary Women -Womens Economic Ventures

Community Advisory Council and Pro Bono Adviser-Womens Economic Ventures

Steering Committee – CPA/Law Society

Veteran Farmers of America – Pro Bono Adviser

California Women for Agriculture

Ventura Chamber of Commerce