About KLAERNER LAW, P. C.
Melissa Miksch Klaerner devotes her current legal practice to select engagements of interest, chiefly advising early-stage startups and representing veterans in appeals to the Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims.
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Melissa began her career at Keker & Van Nest, LLP, where her practice encompassed a range of civil and criminal matters, including copyright, trademark, right of publicity, patent, and white collar criminal defense. Melissa left KVN to join Tricida, Inc. (NASDAQ: TCDA), serving as Vice President, Legal & Corporate Affairs, from the company's formation in 2013 through mid-2015. While at Tricida, Melissa handled matters ranging from private equity financings to contract negotiations and corporate governance. She continued to consult with Tricida on business matters for several years thereafter before setting up her current practice.
Melissa earned her law degree from the Yale Law School in 2006. While at Yale, Melissa successfully represented a Connecticut prisoner in a habeas corpus challenge under the guidance of the law school's clinical faculty.
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In addition to practicing law, Melissa serves on the California Advisory Committee for Brooke USA, a 501(c)(3) fundraising organization that exists to significantly improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people they serve throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need.
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Education
Yale Law School, J.D., 2006
University of Notre Dame, M.A. (philosophy), magna cum laude, 2002
University of Notre Dame, B.A. (philosophy), summa cum laude, 2000
Clerkship
Hon. Ralph K. Winter, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 2006-2007
Awards and Honors
Thurman Arnold Prize Finalist, Morris Tyler Moot Court of Appeals, Yale Law School, 2005
Presidential Fellowship, Department of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame, 2000-2003
Dockweiler Medal, best undergraduate thesis in philosophy, University of Notre Dame, 2000
Outstanding Thesis Award, University of Notre Dame Honors Program, 2000
John A. Osterle Award, excellence in philosophy, University of Notre Dame, 2000
Phi Beta Kappa
Notre Dame Scholar
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Bar Admission
California