Melissa Sayer, Principal
melissa@matilijalaw.com
For almost twenty five 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. Melissa is a frequent speaker on business issues and active with the MVS School of Business & Economics California State University Channel Islands and other community organizations.
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
Water and Agriculture
Mergers and Acquisitions
General Counsel and Governance
Contracts and Terms and Conditions
Manufacturing, Sales & Service Agreements
Capital Raising
Medical / Professional Partnerships and Corporations
Leasing and Real Estate
Credentials and Recognition
Pacific Coast Business Times:“Top 50 Women in Business” 2019, 2015, 2014
Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award: Spirit of Entrepreneurship Foundation Finalist 2019, 2017
Pacific Coast Business Times:”Who’s Who in Professional Services” 2018, 2017
Trusted Advisers Finalist: San Fernando Valley Business Journal 2017
Women Leaders in the Law (ALM) 2019, 2018
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 High Honors
Community
Business Advisory Council MVS School of Business & Economics California State University Channel Islands
Business and Technology Partnership California State University Channel Islands
Board Member Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA)
Founding Member League of Extraordinary Women -WEV (Womens Economic Ventures)
Community Advisory Council and Pro Bono Adviser-WEV (Womens Economic Ventures)
Steering Committee – CPA/Law Society
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
Ventura County Farm Bureau
Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG)-Pro Bono Advisor
Veteran Farmers of America – Pro Bono Adviser
California Women for Agriculture
Ventura Chamber of Commerce
