Melissa G. Shepard
Immigrant Defenders Law Center • Los Angeles, CA
AsylumImmigrationPersonal Injury
Is this your profile?
Claim it for free to update your information and connect with clients.
Contact
Email
mshepard@immdef.org
Phone
(310) 817-6919
Address
634 S. Spring Street 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90014, US
Professional
About
Melissa G. Shepard is a dedicated immigration and personal injury attorney based in Los Angeles, California, currently serving as the Directing Attorney at Immigrant Defenders Law Center. With over a decade of legal experience, Melissa has established herself as a passionate advocate for the rights of immigrants and individuals seeking justice for personal injuries. A graduate of Whittier College School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2013, Melissa also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Irvine. Her extensive experience includes pivotal roles at Immigrant Defenders Law Center, where she has progressed from Staff Attorney to Managing Attorney before assuming her current leadership position. In her earlier career, she honed her skills as an Associate Attorney at Heather L. Poole PC and Stone G, where she focused on immigration law and built a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail and compassionate client approach. Recognized for her contributions to the legal community, Melissa was honored as a Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree by the Los Angeles County Bar Association in 2018. She is known for her unwavering commitment to providing accessible legal services and advocating for vulnerable populations. Melissa’s dual focus on immigration and personal injury law allows her to address the complex needs of her clients holistically, ensuring they receive comprehensive support during challenging times. With a firm belief in the power of justice and a client-centered approach, she strives to empower those she represents, guiding them through their legal journeys with expertise and care.
Credentials
Education
2013 Whittier Coll SOL JD - Juris Doctor 2007 Univ of California Irvine BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English | Spanish
Recognition & Involvement
Awards
2018 Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree, Los Angeles County Bar Association
Associations
2022 - Present American Immigration Lawyers Association (Southern California chapter) Asylum Liaison 2016 - Present Orange County Bar Association, Immigration Law Section Attorney Member 2015 - Present Los Angeles County Bar Association Immigration Section Attorney Member 2015 - Present Los Angeles County Bar Association, Domestic Violence Project Volunteer Attorney 2014 - Present American Immigration Lawyers Association (Southern California chapter) Member
Speaking
2022 Immigrant Defenders Law Center CLE Universal Representation and Other Forms of Relief: U Visa 2022 AILA California Chapters Conference Advanced Waivers: The I-212 2019 Protecting Yourself and Your Client: The Tricky World of I-601 Waivers Immigration Waivers 2018 Bruins Professional Network Immigration Law Changes 2017 Fullerton College Unauthorized Practice of Law
Other Asylum Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA
More Attorneys at Immigrant Defenders Law Center
Updated: Jun 12, 2026