Melanie Balestra, NP, Esq.

About Melanie

Melanie Balestra is both a licensed attorney and a practicing nurse practitioner, with a career that bridges pediatrics, healthcare law, and professional leadership. Licensed in California and Arizona, she brings decades of experience advocating for healthcare providers while continuing her work in clinical practice. Her dual background allows her to understand the challenges of healthcare from every angle—making her a trusted advisor, advocate, and leader in the profession.

Education & Credentials

  • BSN – Duke University
  • MN – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • JD – Gonzaga University School of Law
  • Admitted to Practice Before the U.S. Supreme Court

Melanie’s unique career path has allowed her to simultaneously serve patients as a pediatric nurse practitioner and represent healthcare providers as an attorney. Her practice focuses on helping nurses, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals navigate legal and regulatory challenges, protect their licenses, and build their practices.

With years of experience in both the clinic and the courtroom, Melanie has developed a reputation for providing practical, compassionate, and effective counsel to healthcare providers at all stages of their careers.

Professional Leadership

Melanie has held numerous leadership positions in the nursing and nurse practitioner community, including serving as President of:

  • The American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP)
  • The California Association of Nurse Practitioners (CANP)
  • The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

Through these roles, she has helped shape policy, advance the profession, and advocate for the rights of nurse practitioners nationwide.

Writing & Advocacy

In addition to her legal and clinical work, Melanie is a respected voice in the nursing community. She writes a quarterly column, The Connection, for the California Association of Nurse Practitioners, where she addresses legal, professional, and practice-related issues facing nurse practitioners.

Her contributions have made her a sought-after resource for providers seeking guidance at the intersection of healthcare and law.

Today at BalestraWebb Law

At BalestraWebb Law, Melanie combines her legal expertise and clinical insight to represent healthcare providers, businesses, and professionals in California and Arizona. Whether advising on healthcare law, defending professional licenses, or guiding nurse practitioners through practice management and entity formation, she brings decades of dedication to every client.

Contact Melanie

📞 (855) 250-5297
📧 intake@balestrawebb.com

👉 Schedule a consultation with BalestraWebb Law today and put their experience to work for you.