Debra Lea Mellinkoff, ADR Attorney in Sausalito, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, International, and Litigation
MemberatMellinkoff Mediation
Sausalito, CA
Practicing adr in Sausalito since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Debra Lea Mellinkoff is a member based in Sausalito, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, International, and Litigation. Debra has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mellinkoff Mediation.
- Based in
- Sausalito, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- ADR · International · Litigation
- Handles ADR, International, and Litigation matters from Sausalito, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Debra Lea Mellinkoff: Debra Lea Mellinkoff is a member based in Sausalito, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, International, and Litigation. Debra has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mellinkoff Mediation.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Debra Lea Mellinkoff
Debra concentrates on adr, international, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Debra handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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International
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Litigation
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ADR cases in Sausalito, California
Debra takes adr matters in Sausalito, 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 Debra agrees to represent you.
International cases in Sausalito, California
Debra takes international matters in Sausalito, 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 Debra agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Sausalito, California
Debra takes litigation matters in Sausalito, 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 Debra agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Debra Lea Mellinkoff — Over 44 years of California adr experience
Debra Lea Mellinkoff is a member based in Sausalito, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, International, and Litigation. Debra has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mellinkoff Mediation.
Debra Lea Mellinkoff is a lawyer practicing arbitration, international law, litigation and 1 other area of law. Debra received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Cruz in 1976, and has been licensed for 44 years. Debra practices at Mellinkoff Mediation in Sausalito, CA.
Working with Debra on a adr matter
Debra Lea Mellinkoff is a lawyer practicing arbitration, international law, litigation and 1 other area of law. Debra received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Cruz in 1976, and has been licensed for 44 years. Debra practices at Mellinkoff Mediation in Sausalito, CA.
Who Debra represents
Debra reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, international, and litigation matters in Sausalito and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Debra Lea Mellinkoff's legal education and bar admissions
Hastings College of the Law, University of California
J.D. · 1981
University of California at Santa Cruz
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Debra's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
California
1988 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
New York
1982 · ACTIVE
Debra studied at J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.A. in University of California at Santa Cruz.
Law school and academic background
Debra completed J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.A. in University of California at Santa Cruz. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Debra runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Debra's professional memberships and bar associations
Bar Association of San Francisco State Bar of California New York State and American (Member, Sections on Business and Litigation) Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Debra Lea Mellinkoff's office in Sausalito
Debra's primary office is at 1001 Bridgeway, Ste. 203, Sausalito, CA, 94965. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Debra Lea Mellinkoff
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Debra Lea Mellinkoff — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Debra usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Debra charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra'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; Debra will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Sausalito, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Debra
Debra discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. Debra confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Debra's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Debra Lea Mellinkoff
How much does it cost to hire Debra for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Debra walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Debra offer a free consultation?
Debra charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Debra's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in California typically take?
Simple adr 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. Debra gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Debra take my case if I'm outside Sausalito?
Debra 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 — Debra 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 Debra?
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. Debra will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Debra accepting new adr clients right now?
Debra's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Sausalito, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Debra handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
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