About Melvin James
Melvin James Thompson is a licensed attorney admitted to practice law in the State of California. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1976. His license is currently in active status. Mr. Thompson is the principal attorney at the Law Office of Melvin J. Thompson, located at 4900 California Avenue, Tower B-210, Bakersfield, California 93309. He has been practicing law for over four decades, serving clients throughout Kern County and the surrounding areas.
Mr. Thompson earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1976. Prior to law school, he completed his undergraduate education at Brigham Young University, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1973. During his time at the University of San Diego, he was invited to write for the San Diego Law Review based on a writing competition, reflecting his strong academic performance.
Mr. Thompson's practice areas encompass a broad range of civil matters, including personal injury, medical malpractice, real property disputes, contract disputes, family law, probate cases, and appellate cases. He has represented clients in various stages of litigation, including hearings, trials, and appeals. His experience includes handling complex cases involving oil and gas assessment appeals, as well as matters related to natural resources.
Throughout his career, Mr. Thompson has been admitted to practice before multiple courts, including the Superior Court of California for the County of Kern and the California Court of Appeal. He has also appeared before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. Prior to establishing his own practice, he served as a deputy in the office of the Kern County Counsel, where he was assigned to sit with the Kern County Board of Zoning Adjustment, the County Planning Commission, and occasionally with the Kern County Board of Supervisors.
Mr. Thompson is an active member of the California State Bar and has been involved in various community activities. He is married to Kathleen P. Thompson, and they are the parents of ten children. He is also a member of the Bakersfield South Rotary Club, having served twice as the club's president in 1999-2000 and 2014-2015. Additionally, he has been involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a bishop and as the stake president of the Bakersfield California South Stake.
