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California Lawyers Association Names LCW Firm Co-Managing Partner Melanie L. Chaney Attorney of the Year
LOS ANGELES- Liebert Cassidy Whitmore is thrilled to announce that Firm Co-Managing Partner Melanie L. Chaney has been named Attorney of the Year – Law Practice Management by the California Lawyers Association for her outstanding achievements as a leader. This prestigious recognition reflects Melanie’s dedication to legal excellence and acknowledges her significant impact within the legal profession.
The recipient for Attorney of the Year – Law Practice Management is selected based on outstanding achievements and notable contributions that relate to law practice management. This includes unique approaches of leading and starting, growing, or helping to prosper a firm through law office administration, financial management, legal ethics and time management.
Background on Melanie L. Chaney
Melanie L. Chaney, Firm Co-Managing Partner, stands as an exemplary leader in the legal field, distinguished by her expertise as a negotiator and litigator, and her unwavering commitment to collaboration and inclusivity. Her leadership style is characterized by exceptional listening skills and an empathetic approach, creating an environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and motivated to perform their best.
Melanie’s strength lies in her ability to guide clients through complex labor and employment matters, drawing from her extensive experience representing public entities, including cities, counties, community college districts, school districts, and public safety departments. Her practical and direct approach to labor relations has earned the trust of many agencies, as she expertly navigates the bargaining process, including impasse resolution, mediation, and fact-finding.
As a skilled negotiator, Melanie has successfully led agencies through interest-based bargaining, helping them prepare for and recover from strikes while building strong post-strike relationships.
In addition to her negotiation expertise, Melanie is an experienced litigator who has achieved favorable verdicts in state and federal court. She handles a wide range of employment cases, including claims of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, as well as wage and hour disputes. Her successful representation of public safety departments in police officer discipline matters and her work in arbitrations and administrative proceedings further highlight her comprehensive legal acumen.
Beyond her legal practice, Melanie’s commitment to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented workplace is evident in her leadership within LCW. She provides thoughtful feedback and promotes a collaborative environment, ensuring all stakeholders feel engaged and invested in shared goals. Melanie’s ability to bring people together, bridge gaps, and facilitate consensus underscores her effectiveness as a leader and her lasting impact on the firm, its clients, and her colleagues.
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Liebert Cassidy Whitmore serves as trusted advisors to public agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofits across California. Our legal experts provide client focused services as trusted advisors in litigation, labor relations, negotiations, employment, education, business, and construction. LCW delivers vital web-based and live training to clients, proactively helping them avoid problems. Leveraging decades of expertise, we conduct impartial workplace investigations for California’s businesses. Visit www.lcwlegal.com for more information.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Cynthia Weldon
Director of Marketing & Training
310.981.2055
cweldon@lcwlegal.com