Melanie L. Chaney is the Firm Co-Managing Partner of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, California’s largest education, public sector, nonprofit, and labor & employment law firm.
Melanie represents and regularly advises cities, counties, community college districts, school districts, public safety departments and special districts regarding employee and labor relations matters. The breadth of her experience as both a negotiator and a litigator informs her practical approach to the myriad of labor and employment issues faced by public entities. Many agencies rely on Melanie to provide sound and measured advice in her direct and distinctly authentic manner. Melanie expertly guides clients through the bargaining process including through impasse, mediation, factfinding and imposition. She has led agencies through interest based bargaining with favorable results and assisted agencies in preparing for strikes, operating through strikes and healing relationships post-strike.
Melanie negotiates, drafts and provides guidance for interpreting collective bargaining agreements and memoranda of understanding under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) and the Educational Employment Relations Act (EERA). She also handles all aspects of labor disputes including unfair labor practice charges before the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).
Melanie is also an experienced litigator who has successfully handled employment cases involving claims such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation and wage and hour claims. She has received favorable verdicts in state and federal court before judges and juries.
Melanie handles arbitrations and administrative proceedings including disciplinary actions and grievances, and regularly represents public safety departments in police officer discipline matters. She has successfully handled matters before administrative bodies such as the Office of Administrative Hearings, Labor Commissioner, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Civil Rights Department.
She also conducts and assists with workplace investigations and provides advice on creating and updating personnel procedures and policies.
Melanie serves on the executive committee of the firm’s Labor Relations practice group. She is a contributing author to the firm’s California Public Agency Labor & Employment Blog. She also frequently conducts training and workshops on labor and employment topics.
Professional and Community Involvement
Melanie is a member of the California Council of School Attorneys (CCSA).
Recognitions
Melanie has continued to be recognized throughout her career, including the following:
Top 100 Lawyers, Los Angeles Business Journal (2024)
Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys, Los Angeles Business Journal (2024)
Southern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers (2008-2010)