Melissa Wendy Kasnitz, Civil Rights Attorney in Berkeley, California
Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights and SSD · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Center for Accessible Technology
Berkeley, CA
Practicing civil rights in Berkeley since 1992.
- 34+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Melissa Wendy Kasnitz?
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Quick answer
Melissa Wendy Kasnitz is a center for accessible technology based in Berkeley, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and SSD. Melissa has over 34 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Berkeley, CA
- Experience
- over 34 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · SSD
- Handles Civil Rights and SSD matters from Berkeley, CA.
- Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Melissa Wendy Kasnitz: Melissa Wendy Kasnitz is a center for accessible technology based in Berkeley, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and SSD. Melissa has over 34 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Melissa's practice areas in Berkeley
Melissa concentrates on civil rights and ssd. Each area below outlines the kind of case Melissa handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights cases in Berkeley, California
Melissa takes civil rights matters in Berkeley, 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.
SSD cases in Berkeley, California
Melissa takes ssd matters in Berkeley, 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
Melissa Wendy Kasnitz, civil rights attorney serving Berkeley
Melissa Wendy Kasnitz is a center for accessible technology based in Berkeley, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and SSD. Melissa has over 34 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. Melissa works from Berkeley, California and takes on civil rights matters across the region.
Melissa Wendy Kasnitz is a lawyer practicing disabilities, civil rights. Melissa received a B.A. degree from Yale University in 1989, and has been licensed for 34 years. Melissa practices in Berkeley, CA.
How Melissa handles civil rights matters
Melissa Wendy Kasnitz is a lawyer practicing disabilities, civil rights. Melissa received a B.A. degree from Yale University in 1989, and has been licensed for 34 years. Melissa practices in Berkeley, CA.
Who Melissa represents
Melissa reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights and ssd matters in Berkeley and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Melissa studied and practices
Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley
J.D. · 1992
Yale University
B.A. · 1989
Jurisdictions
Melissa's state bar admissions
California
1992 · ACTIVE
Melissa studied at J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley and B.A. in Yale University.
Law school and academic background
Melissa completed J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley and B.A. in Yale University. 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
Melissa's legal honors and published work
Melissa has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Melissa Wendy Kasnitz's office in Berkeley
Melissa's primary office is at 3075 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA, 94703-2576. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Melissa Wendy Kasnitz — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
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 civil rights attorneys in Berkeley.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Melissa Wendy Kasnitz claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Melissa Wendy Kasnitz — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in Berkeley, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Melissa Wendy Kasnitz
How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in California typically take?
Simple civil rights 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 Berkeley?
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 civil rights clients right now?
Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Berkeley, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Melissa handles civil rights matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in California
If Melissa's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Berkeley handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
