About Melinda Lee
Melinda Haag is a seasoned litigator based in San Francisco, California. A member of the State Bar of California since 1987, she has built a distinguished career in the legal field. Currently, Haag serves as a partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where she specializes in white-collar crime and regulatory defense. Her experience in these areas has made her a sought-after attorney for complex litigation matters. Haag earned her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 1987. Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego in 1983.
These academic credentials laid the foundation for her legal expertise. Before joining Paul, Weiss in 2021, Haag held the significant role of U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California from 2010 to 2016. During her tenure, she led numerous high-profile investigations and prosecutions, making history as the first woman to hold this position in the district in 90 years. Prior to her appointment as U.S. Attorney, Haag spent nine years as a federal prosecutor in both Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Her work in these roles involved handling complex cases that often intersected with issues of public interest. Additionally, she had a notable tenure in private practice at the San Francisco firm Landels Ripley & Diamond, where she developed her skills in litigation and client representation. This diverse background has equipped Haag with a knowledge of both the public and private sectors of law. Throughout her career, Haag has received numerous accolades for her expertise in white-collar crime and regulatory defense. She has been named a "Star Individual" in the White Collar Crime & Government Investigations category by Chambers USA, a recognition that highlights her exceptional standing in the field. Furthermore, she has been listed among the Top 100 Lawyers in California by the Daily Journal, underscoring her influence and reputation within the legal community.
Haag is also a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a distinction that supports her excellence in trial advocacy. In 2021, Haag joined Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where she contributes her experience to the firm's litigation department. In her role, she co-chairs the White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group, guiding a team of attorneys in navigating complex legal challenges. Her office is located at 535 Mission Street, 25th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Haag's career exemplifies a commitment to public service and a deep expertise in complex litigation, particularly in the areas of white-collar crime and regulatory defense.
