How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a business case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melissa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Melissa offer a free consultation?

Melissa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.

How long do business cases in California typically take?

Simple business 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. Melissa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside San Diego?

Melissa 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 — Melissa 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 Melissa?

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. Melissa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Melissa accepting new business clients right now?

Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Melissa Hillary Lum, Business Attorney in San Diego

Quick answer

Melissa Hillary Lum is a senior associate based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Civil Rights, and Contracts. Melissa has over 17 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Dean Law Group, APLC. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Based in: San Diego, CA
Experience: over 17 years
Known for: Business · Civil Rights · Contracts

Handles Business, Civil Rights, and Contracts matters from San Diego, CA.
Over 17 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Melissa takes on

Melissa concentrates on business, civil rights, contracts, employment contracts, and estate planning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Melissa handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in San Diego, California

Melissa takes business matters in San Diego, 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 Melissa agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in San Diego, California

Melissa takes civil rights matters in San Diego, 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 Melissa agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in San Diego, California

Melissa takes contracts matters in San Diego, 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 Melissa agrees to represent you.

Employment Contracts cases in San Diego, California

Melissa takes employment contracts matters in San Diego, 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 Melissa agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in San Diego, California

Melissa takes estate planning matters in San Diego, 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 Melissa agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Melissa Hillary Lum — business lawyer in San Diego

Melissa Hillary Lum is a senior associate based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Civil Rights, and Contracts. Melissa has over 17 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Dean Law Group, APLC. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Melissa Hillary Lum is a lawyer practicing small business law, business formation, business litigation and 17 other areas of law. Melissa received a B.A. degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in 2001, and has been licensed for 17 years. Melissa practices at The Dean Law Group, APLC in San Diego, CA.

Melissa's approach to business cases

Melissa Hillary Lum is a lawyer practicing small business law, business formation, business litigation and 17 other areas of law. Melissa received a B.A. degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in 2001, and has been licensed for 17 years. Melissa practices at The Dean Law Group, APLC in San Diego, CA.

Clients Melissa works with

Melissa reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, civil rights, and contracts matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Thomas Jefferson School of Law
J.D. · 2008
University of California, Santa Barbara
B.A. · 2001

Jurisdictions

Melissa's state bar admissions

California
2009 · ACTIVE

Melissa studied at J.D. in Thomas Jefferson School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara.

Law school and academic background

Melissa completed J.D. in Thomas Jefferson School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Melissa runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Melissa has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Melissa Hillary Lum's office in San Diego

Melissa's primary office is at 3990 Old Town Ave., Ste. C-303, San Diego, CA, 92111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

The Dean Law Group, APLC

3990 Old Town Ave., Ste. C-303

San Diego, CA 92111

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Melissa Hillary Lum — 4.8/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Melissa. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in San Diego.

4.8

5 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Melissa Hillary Lum claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Melissa Hillary Lum — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Melissa usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Melissa charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa'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; Melissa will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in San Diego, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Melissa

Melissa discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. Melissa confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Melissa's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Melissa Hillary Lum

How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melissa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Melissa offer a free consultation?
Melissa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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. Melissa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Melissa 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 — Melissa 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 Melissa?
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. Melissa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Melissa accepting new business clients right now?
Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Melissa Hillary Lum. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
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My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota
Can My Business Be Impacted By A Personal Lawsuit Against Me In Pennsylvania?
I’m facing a personal lawsuit in Philadelphia, and I’m concerned about the potential impact on my small business. My business and personal finances are intertwined. Can my business
1 verified answer · Business · Pennsylvania

Areas served

Business attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Melissa handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

Melissa Hillary Lum, Business Attorney in San Diego, California

Quick answer