Cliff Melnick, Trusts Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 29 years of legal practice
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing trusts in Los Angeles since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Cliff Melnick?
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Quick answer
Cliff Melnick is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Trusts. Cliff has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Keystone Law Group PC.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Trusts
- Handles Trusts matters from Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026).
About Cliff Melnick: Cliff Melnick is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Trusts. Cliff has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Keystone Law Group PC.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Cliff takes on
Cliff concentrates on trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Cliff handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Trusts cases in Los Angeles, California
Cliff takes trusts matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cliff agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Cliff Melnick — trusts lawyer in Los Angeles
Cliff Melnick is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Trusts. Cliff has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Keystone Law Group PC.
Cliff Melnick is a Partner at Keystone Law Group, P.C. where his practice focuses on trust, estate and conservatorship litigation. With more than 23 years of litigation experience overall, including the last 18 years in probate, Cliff has successfully represented a broad range of clients state-wide including trustees, beneficiaries, executors, administrators, conservators, guardians, private professional fiduciaries, life insurance companies, and non-profit organizations.
Prior to joining Keystone, Cliff was a partner for 13 years at Meserve, Mumper & Hughes LLP (Est. 1889), one of the oldest firms in Los Angeles, where he litigated high-stakes probate and trust litigation matters. While at Meserve, Cliff also counseled clients regarding their legal duties and obligations in connection with trust and estate administration, probates, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Cliff’s cases have included all manner of Will and Trust disputes, contested Conservatorships (Probate and LPS), Fiduciary Reports and Accountings, Heggstad/850 Petitions, Petitions for Probate, Elder Abuse actions, Quiet Title and Partition proceedings, Will Contests and Trust Contests. Cliff has also represented clients before the California Court of Appeal (2nd Appellate District).
Working with Cliff on a trusts matter
Cliff Melnick is a Partner at Keystone Law Group, P.C. where his practice focuses on trust, estate and conservatorship litigation. With more than 23 years of litigation experience overall, including the last 18 years in probate, Cliff has successfully represented a broad range of clients state-wide including trustees, beneficiaries, executors, administrators, conservators, guardians, private…
Clients Cliff works with
Cliff reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trusts matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of California Hastings College of the Law
— · 1997
Jurisdictions
Cliff's state bar admissions
California
1997 · ACTIVE
Cliff studied at — in University of California Hastings College of the Law.
Law school and academic background
Cliff completed — in University of California Hastings College of the Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Cliff runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Cliff has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026).
Locations
Cliff Melnick's office in Los Angeles
Cliff's primary office is at 11300 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 910, Los Angeles, California, 11300. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Keystone Law Group PC
11300 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 910
Los Angeles, California 11300
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Cliff Melnick — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new trusts attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Cliff usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Cliff charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cliff's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Cliff will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a trusts attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many trusts matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Cliff
Cliff discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in trusts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every trusts matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Cliff confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Cliff's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many trusts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Cliff Melnick
How much does it cost to hire Cliff for a trusts case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Cliff walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Cliff offer a free consultation?
Cliff charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cliff's office. Some trusts attorneys offer free consults — check Cliff's current terms during booking.
How long do trusts cases in California typically take?
Simple trusts matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Cliff gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Cliff take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Cliff is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Cliff will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Cliff?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Cliff will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Cliff accepting new trusts clients right now?
Cliff's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Trusts attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Cliff handles trusts matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified trusts attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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