MELANIE CLIFF

FOUNDER AND PARTNER, CLIFF LLP

Melanie Cliff is a highly experienced legal and business advisor and considered as the "go-to" for challenging business initiatives, often acting as outside counsel for many automotive dealership groups across the state. 

Ms. Cliff supervises and directs CLIFF LLP's legal team in complex litigation, class action, and general litigation defense matters. Ms. Cliff's pragmatic, down-to-earth approach identifies the legal liabilities and compliance risks for business teams, allowing for real life solutions in an increasing unpredictable regulatory and litigation environment. Ms. Cliff's long lasting relationship with her clients, often spanning decades, have proven her ability to navigate her clients through the many nuanced regulations and compliance requirements at the federal, state, county and local levels. 

Ms. Cliff has also amassed a broad based practice covering state and federal regulatory, franchise, licensing, advertising and distribution matters, where she has directed massive multi-state regulatory projects for major players in the automotive space, specializing on complex issues such as state-specific licensing, advertising, and regulatory frameworks. 

Recognized as an industry-leading specialist, Ms. Cliff is continuously sought for her knowledge within the automotive and technology start-up space. Ms. Cliff's regulatory work with industry newcomers, including startup electric vehicle manufacturers and internet based automotive companies, has helped identify and shape the direction of future law. 

MICHELE JOO

PARTNER, CLIFF LLP

Michele Joo is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience overseeing legal compliance and directing legal matters for a multi-rooftop dealership owner. 

Ms. Joo specializes in managing dealership compliance by designing monitoring programs and spearheading initiatives to ensure adherence to vehicles, sales, F&I and advertising regulations. She has also played a vital role in uncovering and assisting with the resolution of employement embezzlement, leading to successful prosecution and incarceration.  

Before transitioning to her career in law, Ms. Joo spent a decade as a FHA/VA residential mortgage underwriter for numerous banks. 

Ms. Joo consults on day-to-day dealership compliance, operations and legal matters. 

MITCHELL I. BURGER

OF COUNSEL, CLIFF LLP

Mitchell Burger is a seasoned transactional attorney with over three decades of experience handling complex real estate and corporate matters across California. Mr. Burger has represented clients in a wide range of business and real estate transactions, with a particular focus on the automotive dealership industry, including the acquisition, sale and development of dealerships and their properties. 

With an extensive background in business and finance, Mr. Burger advises clients on all aspects of business acquisitions, real estate development, joint ventures, multifamily and investment real estate, commerical leasing, and financing. He is regularly engaged for complex deals requiring both legal precision and a deep understanding of business dynamics. 
 

As a former Certified Public Accountant in New York and a licensed Real Estate Broker in California, Mr. Burger brings a multidisciplinary perspective to every transaction. His ability to integrate legal strategy with business goals has earned him long-standing relationship with clients across industriies. 

LISA L. LOVERIDGE

OF COUNSEL, CLIFF LLP

Lisa L. Loveridge is a skilled trial attorney with extensive experience litigating all types of civil litigation matters in both state and federal courts throughout California. Ms. Loveridge has represented clients from the automotive, finance, hospitality, insurance industries as well as other general business, bankruptcy, insurance coverage and bad faith matters. 
 

With her vast trial experience, Ms. Loveridge leads CLIFF LLP's trial team in all aspects of complex litigation from inception through arbitration, mediation and/or trial, including pre-litigation negotiations, investigation, discovery, dispositive motions, trial preparation and trial. Additionally, Ms. Loveridge has successfully argued many appellate matters.  

As previous in-house counsel for a national insurance company, Ms. Loveridge has also conducted compliance audits of legal costs and fees of insurance defense firms.

GAIL MAIORANA

OF COUNSEL, CLIFF LLP

Gail Maiorana is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in automotive-related legal matters, regulatory compliance, and litigation. With a background spanning both government and private practice, Ms. Maiorana has represented major state agencies and businesses in complex legal disputes, making her a trusted advisor in the automotive and regulatory sectors.

At CLIFF LLP, Ms. Maiorana leverages her deep knowledge of administrative law, consumer protection, and occupational licensing to counsel clients on regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, and litigation strategy. She has successfully represented state agencies in administrative hearings, disciplinary proceedings, and compliance enforcement actions, ensuring that businesses navigate the intricate web of federal and state regulations.

Prior to joining CLIFF LLP, Ms. Maiorana served as Attorney III at the California Department of Motor Vehicles, where she prosecuted cases against occupational licensees for fraud and consumer protection violations. Her experience negotiating settlements with automobile manufacturers and handling litigation for major financial institutions further solidifies her expertise in high-stakes legal matters.

With a unique career spanning journalism, public service, and legal advocacy, Ms. Maiorana brings a strategic and analytical approach to every case. Her ability to translate complex legal issues into practical business solutions makes her an invaluable asset to CLIFF LLP’s clients in the automotive and regulatory industries. 

VANESSA M. LEE

OF COUNSEL, CLIFF LLP

Vanessa M. Lee is an accomplished litigator with a strong background in civil litigation, consumer protection, and regulatory compliance. With a history of success in private practice and high-stakes litigation, Ms. Lee has successfully represented clients in state and federal courts, handling complex cases from inception through resolution.

Ms. Lee plays a key role in litigation strategy, leveraging her expertise in pre-litigation analysis, discovery, motion practice, and settlement negotiations. Her deep understanding of consumer protection laws and business regulations enables her to guide clients through an increasingly complex legal landscape.

Before joining CLIFF LLP, Ms. Lee founded and managed her own law firm, where she oversaw all aspects of case management and firm operations. She also served as lead litigation counsel at a prominent consumer law firm, representing clients in both state and federal matters. Her broad courtroom experience, including depositions, motion hearings, and mediations, has solidified her reputation as a formidable advocate. 

HANA YU

PARALEGAL

Ms. Hana Yu is a seasoned compliance paralegal with over a decade of legal support experience, particularly in the area of automotive regulatory compliance. Prior to joining CLIFF LLP, Ms. Yu worked at two nationally recognized law firms, where she supported attorneys in complex compliance and litigation matters. She later joined CLIFF LLP at its founding, bringing with her a deep understanding of advertising regulations, dealership compliance, and legal operations honed over years of high-level paralegal support. 

Ms. Yu provides essential legal and administrative support, including preparing advertising and compliance audit reports, conducting legal research, and managing discovery and case preparation. Ms. Yu also supervises and trains staff, ensuring consistency and accuracy in all work product. Bilingual in Korean, Ms. Yu's early career in education equipped her with strong communication, organizationl and leadership skills. 

DEBORAH HILL

LEGAL ASSISTANT / ADMINISTRATIVE

With over fifteen years of experience in executive and administrative support, Ms. Hill specializes in document management, legal compliance, and operational efficiency. Ms. Hill has a proven ability to steamline communication and has a background rich in supporting high-level executives, managing vendor relations, and handing complex logistical issues. 

Prior to joining the legal field, Ms. Hill has served as as an Office Manager and Executive Assistant, gaining extensive experience in overseeing critical office operations and implementing company-wide initiatives. Her diverse background allows her to bring a detail-orientated and adaptable appraoch to supporting the needs of a fast-paced law firm. 

CONTRACT PROFESSIONALS

For larger projects, we call upon our network of highly credentialed contract attorneys and professionals carefully selected based on their years and depth of experience. CLIFF LLP's contract team is a great resource allowing us to keep costs manageable in an ever-changing legal market. 

YOUR WAY. OUR LEAGL TEAM. 

TOGETHER.

WELCOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF DEDICATION.