Byrd, Kenneth S.

Melissa Bustarde started with Mayfield Bustarde, LLP (formerly Mayfield & Associates) in 2004 as a Law Clerk while she attended California Western School of Law. While at Cal Western, she made the Dean's List every semester and graduated Cum Laude and was the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards. After passing the California Bar Exam on her first attempt, Ms. Bustarde remained with the firm as an Associate Attorney. Prior to graduating from law school, Ms. Bustarde worked as a lifeguard and did extensive volunteer work as a Student Ambassador for both her undergraduate university and law school.

Ms. Bustarde performs extensive work in both transactional and litigation matters for the firm.  In her transactional practice, Ms. Bustarde forms corporations, LLCs and other entities, performs corporate audits, and annual maintenance on corporations and other entities by noticing and conducting Board of Director and Shareholder meetings, and drafting minutes.  In addition, she prepares corporate documents subsequent to the formation, such as Stock Purchase Agreements, and Stock Option Plans and related documents.  If an entity is ready to wind up and dissolve, she will also prepare the dissolution documents.

Ms. Bustarde also engages in contract drafting and review, including leases, and Independent Contractor or Consulting Agreements.  She also drafts and reviews contracts in the employment area such as Master Employment Agreements and Employee Handbooks.  Ms. Bustarde places particular emphasis on working with the firm's clients on issues relating to trademarks and copyrights, including registration, licensing and infringement.

Ms. Bustarde also represents the firm's clients in their disputes with a third party.  Whether or not litigation has commenced, she strives to reach an informal resolution.  However, if settlement has not been achieved and a lawsuit is filed, she works closely with Ms. Mayfield-Venieris in the firm's litigation matters, including making court appearances for hearings and trials.  She also engages in extensive discovery and motion practice.