Melissa H. Lum, Esq.

Senior Associate Attorney

About 

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Melissa Lum is a seasoned litigation attorney whose practice focuses on prosecuting and defending will and trust contests and claims for undue influence, breach of fiduciary duty, and financial elder abuse. Ms. Lum is committed to vigorously representing her clients and helping them to feel more in control of the situation through diligent communication, education, and strategy. Ms. Lum is results-oriented and strives to help clients resolve their legal issues effectively and efficiently.

Ms. Lum holds a B.A. in Business Economics from the University of Santa Barbara, California, and Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. She is an active member of the San Diego County Bar Association, Lawyers Club of San Diego, Professional Fiduciary Association of California, Probate Attorneys of San Diego, and Junior League of San Diego.  

Outside of the office, Ms. Lum enjoys hiking, HIIT workouts, and almost any outdoor activity that allows her to take in the San Diego sunshine.  She is also passionate about supporting her local community through volunteerism, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, and advancing women in leadership.

AWARDS

2025 Super Lawyers, Estate & Trust Litigation Recognition.  The Super Lawyers is a designation of top-rated practicing attorneys selected through an extensive evaluation that is peer influenced and research driven, selecting the top 5% of attorneys to the Super Lawyers lists each year.

2024 San Diego Magazine's Celebrating Women, Legal Rising Star Nominee. An annual event recognizing and celebrating some of the city's most influential females within their industries. The Rising Star nominees and award recipient(s) are individuals that are regarded as an up-and-comer in their industry. Someone who is actively trailblazing their way to a brighter future and setting the stage for those to follow.

2021 and 2023 San Diego Business Journal's  "Women of Influence in the Law" award which celebrates female trailblazers in law by highlighting their careers and accomplishments within the San Diego community.

2019 The San Diego Business Journal's "Leaders in Law" award which recognizes outstanding legal professionals for their leadership and accomplishments in the San Diego county law community.

Our Reviews

Melissa H.
Former Client
"Melissa and team are exceptional attorneys. After my father passed, we had a difficult family case. The firm handled all of our questions with the upmost regard and empathy. Melissa always provided her time when we had questions and thoroughly prepared us for our depositions. The firm played an integral role in keeping our family’s nerves at bay during the long period we waited before the judgement. This firm is extremely detail-oriented and are proactive listeners. They understood our situation and were so involved it seemed like we were the only case they were working on. Not only did we win our case, Melissa and her team’s guidance was unmatched. I highly recommend using Melissa and Bellator Law Group and we are deeply appreciative of all the firm did to support us."
Robyn W.
Former Client
"I personally worked with the Bellator Law Group over the last 2 years and I don't think you could find a more kind, compassionate group of lawyers/staff anywhere. They handled our stress associated with a lawsuit with professionalism and expertise. I was amazed at how the details we shared with them on day 1 were exactly the details that came out at the trial - these days, it's unusual for someone to actually listen to everything you say. Melissa Lum, Merrianne Dean, and Mona Gantos were always communicating by email, phone or zoom to keep us up to date. I'd give them 10 stars if I could."
Lani M.
Former Client
"Melissa and her team were available for questions, concerns, very professional, extremely knowledgeable and empathetic, kind. A comfort to work with Bellator Law group during a trying time. Highly recommend."