Melanie Yabut Violan is an Associate Attorney at Candelaria LLP and assists both the Family Law Practice and the Trusts and Estates Practice.

Melanie was born and raised in the Bay Area. Melanie graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies and earned her Juris Doctorate from John F. Kennedy University College of Law, with Dean's List and Honors recognition. She is a first-generation lawyer. In law school, Melanie was involved in the Law School Association, received Witkin Awards for Professional Responsibility, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law, and earned a Public Interest Certificate. The Contra Costa County Bar Association (CCCBA) Women’s Section awarded her with the Honorable Patricia Herron and the Honorable Ellen James Scholarship for her outstanding community work and academic excellence.

Prior to law school, Melanie worked as a Paralegal in several areas of law including employment law, immigration law, and labor law. Since passing the bar, Melanie has gained experience in family law, estate planning, trust administration, conservatorships, guardianships, and probate matters. Melanie is an active member of the CCCBA, the Alameda County Bar Association (ACBA), and FBANC. Melanie has had speaking engagements through the CCCBA and avidly participates in panels which assist pre-law students in learning about the law school process and experience as an AAPI attorney. Melanie is also an active Volunteer Attorney for ACBA Shriver Project which assists low-income individuals in child custody and visitation matters.