My name is Melanie Yabut Violan and I am running for Co-Director of Membership. I am  an Associate Attorney at Candelaria LLP, and I practice in the areas of Family Law and  Trusts and Estates.  

I graduated from UC Berkeley and attended John F. Kennedy University School of Law.  During law school, I served as an officer with the Law School Association, where I  frequently assisted with events promoting new membership.  

The 2026-2027 year will be my third year serving on the FBANC Board. My first year I  had the privilege of serving as Co-Director of Legal Clinics and Co-Chair of the  Women's Committee. It was an uplifting and educational experience. This past year, I  served as Co-Director of Membership and Co-Chair of the Women’s Committee again  and thoroughly enjoyed the roles. I also participated in the Tamayo Grant Committee  both years as a way to stay connected to the community and to help our organization  reach the Fil-Am community that continues to need our support.  

I want to continue in this role another year because I remain committed to continuing  the upkeep of our attorney directory, ensuring it remains a valuable resource for all  members. Our Fall 2025 Membership Drive garnered multiple new members and  solidified a lot of our legacy members’ commitment to FBANC. Our culture and  organization thrives on connection, and I want to foster those relationships. Having  access to reliable referrals is an added benefit that we can continue to provide. I am  confident in my ability to respond to members' questions efficiently and effectively, and  to excel in this role. 

I am excited by the opportunity to continue serving the Filipino community in this  capacity. Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to have your support.