About Melvin N.A.
Melvin N.A. Avanzado trained first as a scientist. He earned a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of California, Los Angeles before turning to law at the University of Notre Dame. That combination of technical grounding and legal training shaped the early contours of a career spent largely in private practice and professional service.
He began his legal career in large-firm settings. In 1988 he joined Latham & Watkins LLP as an associate. By 1993 he was an associate at Christensen White Miller Fink Jacobs Glaser & Shapiro. Three years later he helped found White O Connor Curry & Avanzado, where he served as a founding partner. He moved into partnership at Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro LLP in 2005. In 2008 he established The Avanzado Law Office, APLC, where he serves as principal.
Avanzado is admitted to practice in California and has litigated or been admitted to appear before the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. He holds a Minority Business Enterprise certification through The Suppliers Clearinghouse, a credential that intersects with his frequent involvement in business and community organizations.
His résumé shows a long record of bar and civic service. He was a lawyer representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference from 2004 to 2008. He served on the Board of Governors for the Philippine American Bar Association from 2005 to 2013 and later became president and CEO of the PABA Foundation from 2009 to 2015. He led the Asian / Pacific Bar of California as president from 2011 to 2013. He has been active in the Los Angeles County Bar Association since 1988 and served on LACBA’s Committee on Diversity from 1995 to 2010. He has been a member of LACBA’s Judicial Appointments Committee since 2011.
Outside the bar, Avanzado has taken on governance and advisory roles for cultural and charitable groups. He was on the UCLA Alumni Association board and acted as its general counsel from 2018 to 2020. He served on the Asian Business Association board from 2015 to 2017. He has been general counsel for Friends of the Chinese American Museum since 2021 and sits on the executive committee of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International since 2014. He is also listed as a lifetime member of both the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles and the Philippine American Bar Association.
Colleagues and clients describe a lawyer who has moved comfortably between large-firm environments, firm leadership and solo practice. He maintains courtroom and appellate credentials and participates in civic life through board and committee work. He is currently principal at The Avanzado Law Office, APLC, and his practice handles matters in California and in federal appellate forums.
