More Service, More Options, More Results

Rissell Law, APC

Open Hours:

Monday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, Closed
Sunday, Closed

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Introduce

Introduction / Overview

Navigating the complexities of employment law can be daunting, especially when your career and livelihood are on the line. For residents across California, understanding your rights in the workplace is crucial, and having a trusted legal advocate can make all the difference. In San Francisco, Rissell Law, APC stands out as a dedicated firm specializing in providing clear, compassionate, and effective legal counsel for employees facing various workplace challenges.

Led by founding attorney Melody Rissell Leonard, Rissell Law, APC is committed to empowering individuals by giving them a voice and helping them navigate intricate legal matters. The firm's core mission revolves around providing quality service and advice, primarily focusing on workplace law for individuals. Whether you're dealing with a difficult employer, unfair practices, or the loss of a job, Rissell Law, APC aims to be a resolute, reliable, and resourceful partner in safeguarding your professional future. Their approach is rooted in a deep understanding of how vital one's job is to their identity and financial well-being, which drives their tireless advocacy on behalf of their clients throughout California.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located in the heart of San Francisco, Rissell Law, APC's main office is situated at 201 Spear St # 1100, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA. This prime location makes it highly accessible for individuals working or residing in the Bay Area, and indeed, for clients across Northern California who might need to visit in person.

The office is strategically positioned within a well-known commercial district, making it easy to reach via public transportation options commonly used by San Francisco locals. The proximity to major transit hubs and thoroughfares ensures that clients can comfortably travel to their consultations. For those who prefer to drive, the central location often provides reasonable access to parking facilities in the vicinity, though it's always advisable to plan ahead for urban parking. The professional setting of the office building reflects the serious and dedicated approach the firm takes to legal representation, offering a comfortable and confidential environment for client discussions.

Services Offered

Rissell Law, APC offers a comprehensive suite of legal services specifically tailored to address the diverse needs of employees in California. Their expertise spans various aspects of employment law, ensuring that clients receive informed and practical advice for their unique situations.

  • Wrongful Termination: Assisting employees who have been unfairly dismissed from their jobs, helping them understand their rights and pursue appropriate legal action.

  • Discrimination in the Workplace: Representing individuals who have experienced discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. This includes issues like disability discrimination and failure to engage in the interactive process.

  • Sexual Harassment & Sexual Assault: Providing sensitive and strong advocacy for victims of sexual harassment or assault in the workplace, guiding them through the process of seeking justice and recourse.

  • Retaliation: Protecting employees who have faced adverse actions from their employers after engaging in legally protected activities, such as whistleblowing or filing a complaint.

  • Severance Agreement Reviews and Negotiations: Offering expert advice on severance packages, ensuring terms are fair and equitable, and negotiating for improved benefits or compensation on behalf of the employee.

  • Employment Agreement and Offer Letter Advice and Counsel: Reviewing employment contracts, offer letters, non-compete clauses, and other agreements to ensure employees understand their obligations and rights before signing.

  • FMLA/CFRA Violations: Assisting employees whose rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or California Family Rights Act (CFRA) have been violated.

  • Workplace Investigation Representation for Employees: Guiding and representing employees who are subjects or witnesses in workplace investigations.

  • General Advice and Counsel Regarding Workplace Issues: Providing ongoing guidance and clarification on a wide range of employment-related concerns and questions.

  • Wage and Hour Matters: Addressing issues related to unpaid wages, misclassification, and other labor code violations, including Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) claims.

  • Berman Hearing Representation: Representing clients in hearings before the California Labor Commissioner.

  • Entertainment Law: Providing specialized legal services for individuals in the entertainment industry regarding employment-related contracts and disputes.

Features / Highlights

What sets Rissell Law, APC apart for California residents seeking employment law assistance? Several key features and highlights contribute to their reputation and effectiveness:

  • Experienced & Empathetic Legal Counsel: Founding attorney Melody Rissell Leonard brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal understanding to her practice. Having witnessed and experienced workplace issues herself, she deeply empathizes with her clients' situations, recognizing the profound impact employment matters have on individuals and their families. This empathy translates into a truly client-centered approach.

  • Clear and Practical Advice: Clients consistently praise Melody Rissell for her ability to "break down complex legal documents in a way that's easy to understand." She provides "really practical advice about what's worth pushing back on and what's standard," ensuring clients feel informed and confident in their decisions. This focus on clarity helps demystify legal processes.

  • Responsive and Thorough Advocacy: Even with tight timelines, Rissell Law, APC is known for being responsive and thorough. Clients appreciate the firm's dedication to keeping them informed and ensuring their best interests are always at heart. This commitment to communication and meticulous attention to detail is vital in stressful legal situations.

  • Strong Negotiation Skills: The firm excels at helping clients navigate negotiations without feeling pressured. Melody Rissell provides "clear examples of what other people typically negotiate for" and helps clients understand their options, whether it's for severance packages or other employment-related agreements. This empowers clients to make informed choices that align with their goals.

  • Tireless Advocacy with Strategic Flexibility: While a tireless advocate for her clients, Melody Rissell also understands when a more collaborative approach is required. This strategic flexibility allows the firm to pursue the most effective path to resolution, whether through litigation or negotiation.

  • Complimentary Consultations: Rissell Law, APC offers complimentary consultations to prospective clients, providing an accessible entry point for those seeking initial advice and assessment of their workplace issue.

  • Contingency Fee Basis Available: Understanding that many individuals who have lost their jobs may face financial constraints, the firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis whenever able. This means clients may not be billed by the hour, making legal representation more accessible.

  • Licensed in California and Nevada: While primarily serving California, Melody Rissell is also licensed to practice in Nevada, offering broader reach and understanding of employment laws in these key Western states.

Promotions or Special Offers

Rissell Law, APC is committed to making legal assistance accessible to those who need it most. They offer complimentary consultations to prospective clients. This is a significant benefit for California residents who are unsure about their legal options or need an initial assessment of their situation without immediate financial commitment.

Additionally, the firm often takes cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that clients are not billed by the hour, and legal fees are typically contingent upon a successful outcome, such as a settlement or judgment. This arrangement can be particularly helpful for individuals who may have just lost their jobs and are facing financial hardship, ensuring that quality legal representation is within reach. While specific promotions may vary, these two offerings demonstrate their dedication to serving the community. It's always best to discuss fee structures during your initial consultation to understand the options available for your specific case.

Contact Information

For California residents looking to connect with Rissell Law, APC for their employment law needs, here is the direct contact information:

  • Address: 201 Spear St # 1100, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA

  • Phone: (415) 874-7288

  • Mobile Phone: +1 415-874-7288

Reaching out is the first step toward understanding your rights and exploring your legal options. The firm encourages prospective clients to call and schedule a consultation to discuss their unique circumstances.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For California residents facing challenging workplace issues, Rissell Law, APC offers a compelling choice for legal representation. The firm's deep specialization in employment law, combined with Melody Rissell Leonard's empathetic and client-focused approach, makes it particularly suitable for locals. As reviews highlight, clients feel genuinely supported and understood during stressful times, benefiting from clear explanations and practical, actionable advice. Melody's ability to "calm nerves" and provide "clear examples" resonates strongly with individuals navigating the often-overwhelming legal system.

The firm’s commitment to accessibility through complimentary consultations and the option of a contingency fee basis demonstrates a clear understanding of the financial pressures many employees face, particularly after a job loss or during a dispute. Located conveniently in San Francisco, Rissell Law, APC is easily reachable for those in the Bay Area and beyond, serving as a reliable local resource for safeguarding employment rights. If you're in California and need an advocate who is not only skilled in the law but also truly cares about your well-being, Rissell Law, APC stands ready to assist you in closing challenging chapters and moving forward with confidence.

Location & Map

201 Spear St # 1100, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA

Customer Reviews

(31 reviews)

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Andrew Warren
Jan 03, 2025

Super glad I found Melody! I've worked with her twice now for different employment law situations and she's been fantastic both times. She breaks down complex legal documents in a way that's easy to understand and gives really practical advice about what's worth pushing back on and what's standard. Even with tight timelines, she was responsive and thorough. What really stood out was how she helped calm my nerves during stressful situations. She gave me clear examples of what other people typically negotiate for and helped me understand my options without pressuring me one way or the other. Her fees are reasonable, and she's definitely someone I'd recommend to friends who need an employment attorney. If you need someone to review employment-related contracts or help with other employment law matters, I highly recommend her!

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Kenneth
Mar 24, 2025

Melody provided excellent service, kept me informed and had my best interest at heart. Without her help I wouldn’t have been able to close that chapter of my life. I’d recommend her any day! Job WELL done!

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Taniela Finau
Aug 31, 2024

Melody Rissell is outstanding at what she does. She fought diligently until the very end with my case against my previous employer and won. In my case she fought against a whole city and single handedly, defeated Goliath and never once inconvenienced me in any way. She was extremely thorough and efficient, beating every deadline with no errors. Which made everything go so easy and painless. Paying attention to detail. Making sure I understood everything and was aware of all my options before moving forward with any decisions. She was never hesitant and extremely knowledgeable. Her confidence was what gained my trust throughout the whole process and put my nerves at ease. Melody was always in communication with me which confirmed to me how passionate she is about what she does. Never leaving in the dark and always being so transparent from beginning to the end! Constant updates with everything and anything. She is definitely worth every penny! Thank you Melody Rissell for everything, your services has been life changing for me and my family. We cannot thank you enough❤️

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Nakia Cooper
Jul 30, 2024

I wanted to share a few words about Rissell Law Firm. GREAT!!!!!! I highly recommend this Law Firm if you are looking for a great Attorney. Melody is the lawyer you're looking for. She communicated with me, good attitude the entire time, she fights for her clients and she understand. She don't just listen to you, she hear you. What you think, feel and wants matter to her. She's a really good Attorney. I Thank Melody for helping me and I was very pleased at the end

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Ruth Siegel
Jul 01, 2024

I am so glad I found Melody Rissell! I highly recommend her and her team if you need help with severance agreements. I've never hired a lawyer and it was a daunting experience to find one. Of all of the lawyers I reached out to, she was the fastest to respond, the most accessible, and the most reasonable in terms of rate (some were asking for $700-800!). The online scheduling system makes scheduling super easy which was not the case with others I spoke to. Also I want to give a shout out to the person who did the intake call, which was actually a delight during this dark time!! She listened empathetically (and patiently) to my whole saga and asked me very thoughtful questions that gave me confidence that the whole team is experienced with severance agreement negotiations and would have my back. Melody came very prepared for the appointment; she had reviewed all my documents and had many great notes. She listened empathetically to my layoff story and while there wasn't anything I could use as leverage, she still advised me to ask for a much higher severance payment than I would have thought to! After the call, she followed up immediately by email with the proposed language edits we had discussed. Our call lasted the full hour, and even though she took 15 mins to review my documents in advance of the call, she comped me that time. She also offered to review my draft severance response. With all of her advising, I feel much more empowered to push back against the corporate system to fight for what I deserve and ensure I am protected. I will report back after I finalize my negotiations.

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