Melissa R. Karlsten
About Melissa R. Karlsten
Melissa R. Karlsten is a lawyer based in Redwood City, CA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2026. Melissa R. Karlsten is recognized in the following practice area:
- Redwood City, California
- Trusts and Estates
Current Firm: Aaron, Riechert, Carpol & Riffle APC
Location: Redwood City, CA
Nearby Lawyers
Todd J. Trattner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice. Todd J., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Todd J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Sara Ghalandari is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law. Sara, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sara is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ofer Elitzur is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Ofer, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ofer is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Michele Stafford is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - ERISA. Michele, who practices law in Foster City, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michele is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Kahlil T. Yearwood is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Kahlil T., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kahlil T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Holding Corporations Accountable Robert J. Nelson has played a leading role in the firm’s False Claims Act (fraud against the government law), automotive , defective products , mass torts , tobacco , consumer fraud and environmental cases, taking on many of the world’s largest corporations and holding them accountable. He has served as court-appointed Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in numerous state and federal coordinated proceedings, as well as in more than 40 class actions. Robert lik...
Frank Burke is the founder of Frank Burke Mediation and Arbitration PC, and a panel member of the National Rosters of Arbitrators and Mediators of the American Arbitration Association for Commercial, Large Complex Case and Energy Disputes. He is a Member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, California Chapter, recognized for both mediation and arbitration. He also serves as a Mediation Panel Member of the U.S. District Court ADR Program and on several state court mediation panel...
Jill Feldman serves as Chair of Morrison & Foerster's Financial Transactions Group and is a member of the firm's Cleantech Steering Committee. Her practice focuses on international and domestic commercial lending, acquisition finance, mezzanine and second lien finance, equipment leasing and project finance. Before joining Morrison & Foerster, Ms. Feldman was a partner in the San Francisco office of Graham & James, where she was the co-chair of its credit and project finance and de...
Mike Kelly is one of the nation’s top personal injury attorneys. For four decades he has protected consumers from corporate greed, medical mistakes, dangerous household products, unsafe medical devices, and motor vehicle accidents of every kind. He has tried, settled, and arbitrated more than 200 cases where the recovery by his client exceeded $1 million. In 2020 he helped negotiate the multibillion-dollar resolution of the 2017 California wildfire lawsuits brought against utility giant...
Stephen D. Gillespie is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Stephen D., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking
by Jamilla Tabbara
How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.
Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections
by Jamilla Tabbara
How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer