Attorney Bios
Melissa Corica
Senior Associate — Harmssen LaPointe P.C
With nearly 15 years of legal experience, Melissa Corica has successfully advised and represented her clients in complex employment law matters throughout California. Known for her determination, competence, and love for writing, Melissa thrives in managing challenging legal situations with confidence to secure the best results for her clients. A skillful litigator, negotiator, and mediator, Melissa has vast experience in employment law, including in the areas of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, and wrongful termination. Melissa’s primary role at Harmssen LaPointe involves responding to federal, state, and administrative agency charges and claims on behalf of employers, but she also serves as a seasoned litigator and knowledgeable advisor to clients experiencing employment-related issues. Melissa possesses considerable plaintiff and defense side litigation experience, which aligns with Harmssen LaPointe’s modern vision of leveraging deep knowledge and competence from both sides of the equation to maximize creativity and optimize client solutions.
Prior to joining Harmssen LaPointe, Melissa’s experience included employment with an insurance defense firm in Oakland where her practice focused on personal injury, employment claims, and general civil litigation.
Additionally, taking the California Bar Exam was such an impactful experience for Melissa, she served as a Bar Exam grader for several years.
In addition to practicing before all state courts in the State of California, Melissa is licensed to practice in the United States District Court – Northern and Central Districts of California. Melissa received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, alongside a minor in Business from Santa Clara University. She then attended Santa Clara University School of Law, receiving her Juris Doctor degree in 2008 and was admitted to the California Bar that same year.
Melissa is determined, energetic and a skilled negotiator, which helps in the courtroom and at home where she is the mother to two active boys. Outside of work, you can find Melissa at the beach, rooting for the Golden State Warriors, planning her family’s next travel adventure, or baking up decadent desserts.
