Melanie J. Aldridge, Esq.

Melanie grew up in Merced, California. She has a B.A. in English from Fresno State and a law degree from UC Davis School of Law. She has been involved in agriculture since 1991 when she began practicing law as a real estate and business lawyer for farmers. Melanie also has experience as the former CEO of a large farming organization with lands in Kern County and Fresno County. During her time as CEO she toured multiple packing and processing facilities and is familiar with food safety issues, as well as the challenges of orchard sanitation and GAP certifications.

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 Melanie's law practice is focused on business and real estate transactions such as the purchase and sale of agricultural properties, leases, real estate finance, water and Reclamation law. Her general business legal work includes formation of partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations. Melanie also handles estate planning for families without estate tax issues. She has a track record of prompt project completion as well as more than 25 years of legal experience focused on agricultural and water transactions. Her love of the business of farming and her overall experience in working more closely on day-to-day operations are of great assistance to her in understanding and addressing current legal problems confronting modern farmers and current agricultural- related businesses.

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Melanie has three adult children and various rescue animals. Melanie's hobbies include golf, dog agility and home repair and improvement projects.

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Education:
University of California, Davis, School of Law (1991)
California State University, Fresno, Magna cum laude (1987)

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Memberships:
State Bar of California Real Property Estate Planning and Business law Sections, Member
Fresno County Bar Association, Member
Fresno County Bar Association Agricultural Law Section, Steering Committee
Fresno County Bar Association Real Property Law Section, Member