MEET JUANITA GUILLEN-MELLMAN

Determined Litigation Attorney & Strategic Advocate in Real Estate, Landlord-Tenant, Civil Rights, and Estate Planning

Juanita Guillen-Mellman is the co-founding partner of Mellman & Mellman LLP, where she represents individuals, landlords, tenants, and business owners in complex and high-stakes disputes. Her practice focuses on real property and landlord-tenant law, civil litigation, business disputes, discrimination cases before the California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH), and estate planning.

Juanita is licensed to practice law in both California and Texas. In California, she has successfully argued and conducted hundreds of motions, hearings, and trials. Known for her direct, results-driven approach, she has built a reputation for cutting through complexity and delivering efficient, practical outcomes. Clients rely on her not only for her strong courtroom advocacy but also for her unwavering commitment to getting the job done.

STRATEGIC & RESULT-ORIENTED

Juanita believes that effective representation requires strategy, preparation, and relentless follow-through. She takes time to understand her clients’ goals and then develops a plan designed to achieve them.

Clients value that she is practical, decisive, and unafraid to push hard when necessary. Whether negotiating a settlement, defending against a discrimination claim, or litigating a real estate dispute in court, Juanita brings a no-nonsense attitude and a reputation for being both approachable with clients and formidable with opponents.

REAL ESTATE & LANDLORD-TENANT FOCUS

Much of Juanita’s practice centers on real estate and landlord-tenant disputes, where her litigation experience and deep knowledge of California housing law set her apart. She has successfully:

  • Represented landlords in unlawful detainer cases, protecting property rights and enforcing lease agreements.
  • Advocated for tenants in difficult circumstances, ensuring their rights were upheld.
  • Handled complex real property litigation, including ownership disputes and breach of contract cases.
  • Guided clients through land use and housing issues with precision and practical solutions.

Her ability to combine tough advocacy with strategic efficiency makes her a trusted advocate in landlord-tenant and real estate law.

DISCRIMINATION & FAIR HOUSING REPRESENTATION

Juanita also represents clients in discrimination cases before the California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH). She has experience on both sides of these matters, giving her a unique perspective and advantage in navigating them.

  • For complainants: she helps individuals file and pursue discrimination and fair housing complaints, ensuring their rights are protected.
  • For respondents: she defends landlords, businesses, and property owners against discrimination claims, managing investigations and hearings with focus and efficiency.

This dual experience makes Juanita a trusted advocate in one of the most challenging and sensitive areas of law.

ESTATE PLANNING

In addition to her litigation practice, Juanita assists families and individuals with estate planning, helping them protect their assets and plan for the future. She develops personalized strategies that provide clarity, security, and peace of mind, tailoring every plan to each client’s unique needs.

Her estate planning work complements her litigation practice, offering clients both protection for today’s disputes and preparation for tomorrow’s challenges.

BACKGROUND & TRAINING

Juanita earned her degree in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University before obtaining her Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, graduating Cum Laude.

During law school, she excelled in the competitive Alternative Dispute Resolution program and gained hands-on experience with estate planning and housing rights law firms. She is admitted to practice law in both California and Texas, expanding the scope of clients she is able to serve.

COMMITMENT TO CLIENTS

Clients trust Juanita because she is responsive, efficient, and focused on outcomes. Over the years, she has:

  • Resolved discrimination complaints and defended against claims before the CRD/DFEH.
  • Helped landlords and tenants resolve disputes quickly and effectively.
  • Represented businesses and individuals in complex litigation with persistence and creativity.
  • Protected families’ assets through thoughtful estate planning.

Her combination of litigation skill, practical strategy, and client-centered service ensures that every client feels confident their matter is being handled with urgency and determination.

LET’S TALK

Juanita offers a complimentary consultation to help potential clients explore their options with clear, straightforward advice.

📞 619-304-0600
📧 Jgmellman@Mellmanlaw.com

Se habla Español. Evening and weekend appointments available.

MEET STUART L. MELLMAN

Devoted & Accomplished Attorney

Stuart L. Mellman is a co-founding partner of Mellman & Mellman LLP, a law firm that has represented clients in various legal matters, including estate planning and probate, family law, real property, civil litigation and estate litigation.  Since becoming a member of the State Bar of California attorney Stuart L. Mellman has dedicated his career to helping individuals and businesses navigate their legal matters from estate plans to business litigation. He handles everything from transactional matters such as estate plans to complex civil and family litigation and offers proactive solutions that are rooted in integrity, efficiency and zealous advocacy.

Attorney Stuart L. Mellman understands that his clients need someone who will listen to and meet their specific needs. When you work with our firm, you will receive personalized legal services that address your unique goals.  Stuart L. Mellman is determined to provide superior legal representation and peace of mind by using a hands-on approach for every case.

EXCELLENT QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION

Attorney Stuart L. Mellman graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a focus of management and entrepreneurship. He then obtained his Juris Doctorate Degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California where he graduated with the honor of Magna Cum Laude (top 4% of graduating class).  While at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Attorney Stuart L. Mellman served as the managing editor of the school’s prestigious Law Review and realized several awards for scoring the highest grade in Contracts, Civil Procedure, and Community Property.  During Mr. Mellman’s last semester in law school he clerked for the honorable Roger T. Benitez of the Federal District Court for the Southern District of California.

Mr. Mellman gained extensive experience at medium-sized law firms before deciding to co-found his own law firm. In 2018, attorney Stuart L. Mellman opened Mellman & Mellman LLP, an established law firm in San Diego that serves clients throughout the entire state.  Attorney Stuart L. Mellman is admitted to practice law in all California state courts and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.

Mr. Mellman has provided exceptional legal services to his clients, including:

  • Comprehensive Estate Plans for individuals and couples – from basic estates to complex and high net worth.
  • Estate Litigation including claims of undue influence, fraud, incapacity, and financial elder abuse.
  • Family Law Litigation including: dissolution of marriage (divorce), parentage, spousal support (alimony), child custody, move-away requests, prenuptial agreements, and domestic violence restraining orders.
  • Business Litigation including: breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, breach of contract, and violations of the business and professions code.
  • Civil Litigation including: claims relating to the Americans with Disability Act, landlord / tenant (evictions), tort claims such as negligence, emotional distress, and fraud.

Mr. Mellman has many memberships and affiliations, including:

  • State Bar of California (Member)
  • American Bar Association (Member)
  • Civil Litigation, Trusts & Estates, & Family Law Sections of the San Diego County Bar Association (Member)

Attorney Stuart L. Mellman is also greatly invested in the surrounding community and proudly serves low-income and elderly citizens through the San Diego County Bar Association’s Modest Means program.

To schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about our law firm, be sure to contact our firm today! We speak Spanish and have evening and weekend appointments available.  Attorney Stuart L. Mellman can be reached via telephone at 619-304-0600 and email at Slmellman@mellmanlaw.com

MEET SARAH SHANKEL

Associate Attorney

Sarah Shankel attended Connecticut College, graduating with the honors of summa cum laude (top 5% of graduating class) and Phi Beta Kappa Society with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and membership to Phi Beta Kappa. During her undergraduate studies, Sarah co-authored and published her research on archaeological method. She continued her education in the United Kingdom, earning a Master of Science in Forensic Anthropology from the University of Dundee.

While working in forensics, Sarah worked for a government agency identifying POWs and MIAs from WWII. Sarah obtained her Juris Doctor from University of San Diego School of Law where she was recognized for her pro bono service.

While in law school, Sarah gained litigation experience while interning with several prosecutorial agencies in San Diego including the California Office of the Attorney General, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego Office of the City Attorney, and Judicial Intern at the San Diego County Superior Court.