Claire Melehani Sworn In As 2026 President of the Santa Clara County Bar Association

March 17, 2026
Steven McLellan & Claire Melehani

Today marks a meaningful milestone
in my legal career

Claire Melehani

Understanding Arbitration: When It’s Required, How It Works, and the Pros and Cons

I was sworn in as the 2026 President of the Santa Clara County Bar Association — an organization that has profoundly shaped my development as an attorney. The SCCBA has connected me with exceptional mentors, colleagues, and opportunities for professional growth throughout my career.


Now I have the privilege of leading this vital organization for the next year, and I'm energized about the work ahead. We'll continue strengthening our legal community, supporting our members, and advancing the quality of legal services in Santa Clara County.


If you're an attorney in Santa Clara County or interested in the work local bar associations do, I invite you to follow along. I'll be sharing updates about our initiatives and progress throughout the year.


Thank you for your continued support. Here's to making 2026 a year of meaningful impact for our legal community.

AB 316 Ends the

California AB 316: Companies Can No Longer Blame AI for Harming You

By Claire Melehani • June 15, 2026
California AB 316, effective January 1, 2026, bars companies from claiming AI acted autonomously to avoid liability. If a company built it, deployed it, or used it, the company owns the consequences. Here is what AB 316 means for businesses and individuals.
Unpaid Commissions in California: How to Recover What You’re Owed

Unpaid Commissions in California: How to Recover What You’re Owed

By Claire Melehani • June 10, 2026
California law protects your earned commissions as wages. Learn about commission disputes, employer violations, waiting time penalties, PAGA claims, and how to recover unpaid commissions. Free guidance from McLellan Law Group.
golden parachute California

Golden Parachutes in California: What Executives and Employers Need to Know

By Claire Melehani • June 10, 2026
What California executives and employers need to know about golden parachute agreements, IRC Section 280G excise taxes, change-of-control triggers, and severance disputes. Practical guidance from McLellan Law Group.
Professional woman reviewing California FEHA hostile work environment legal protections with attorne

Hostile Work Environment in California: Legal Standard & Your Rights (2026)

By Claire Melehani • June 8, 2026
Is your workplace legally hostile under California law? The 2024 Bailey ruling changed the standard. Learn what qualifies, how to document it, and when to file a FEHA claim.
SB 617’s New Notice Requirements, the Silicon Valley Workforce Reduction Wave, and What California P

California’s WARN Act in the Age of Mass Layoffs

By Claire Melehani • June 2, 2026
SB 617’s New Notice Requirements, the Silicon Valley Workforce Reduction Wave, and What California Practitioners Need to Know in 2026.
California worker reviewing pay stub for wage theft violations with calculator and legal documents

Wage Theft in California: How to Recover Unpaid Wages (2026 Guide)

By Claire Melehani • June 1, 2026
Owed unpaid wages in California? Learn about overtime, meal breaks, and tip violations. $49M+ recovered by BOFE in 2022. See your rights, remedies, and how to file a claim.
Infographic showing California PAGA claim process from notice to resolution under 2024 reforms

Understanding PAGA Claims in California: What Employees and Employers Need to Know

By Claire Melehani • May 27, 2026
California's PAGA was overhauled in 2024. New penalty caps, cure provisions, and standing rules. Learn what the reforms mean for your wage claim or employer defense. Free initial consultation.
Chart showing California wrongful termination settlement ranges by case type

Average Wrongful Termination Settlements in California: What You Need to Know in 2026

By Claire Melehani • May 18, 2026
What is the average wrongful termination settlement in California? Ranges from $5,000 to $34M+. See real settlement tiers, 8 value factors, and 2026 law updates. Free case evaluation.
California employee reviewing legal documents about workplace harassment retaliation rights

What to Do If You're Fired for Reporting Harassment in California

By Claire Melehani • May 11, 2026
Fired after reporting workplace harassment in California? Learn about SB 497's 90-day retaliation presumption, FEHA protections, and how to recover damages. Free consultation available.
That Gorgeous Listing Photo Might Be AI-Generated — And California Now Requires Disclosure

That Gorgeous Listing Photo Might Be AI-Generated — And California Now Requires Disclosure

By Claire Melehani • May 5, 2026
California now requires disclosure when listing photos are AI-generated or materially altered. Learn your rights as a buyer and what sellers must disclose in 2026.