WSHB Partner Melissa Saracyan Among Los Angeles Business Journal's 2026 Women of Influence Honorees

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is thrilled to share that partner Melissa Saracyan has been recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of its 2026 Women of Influence Attorneys, a distinction honoring exceptional women lawyers whose leadership, professional excellence, and community impact are helping shape the legal profession across Southern California.

The annual recognition highlights attorneys who distinguish themselves through outstanding legal work, leadership within their organizations, contributions to the profession, and meaningful service to the broader community. Honorees are selected through a competitive nomination and editorial review process that considers professional achievement, recent accomplishments, and overall influence within the Los Angeles legal market.

At WSHB, Saracyan has built a respected practice handling complex civil litigation, including catastrophic injury, landlord-tenant habitability, products liability, construction defect, and a broad range of sophisticated tort matters. She has also successfully managed high profile federal litigation, including bankruptcy and complex business cases, earning a reputation for sharp legal strategy, steady leadership, and exceptional client service in high-stakes disputes.

"Melissa brings a rare combination of legal excellence, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to clients," said Founding Partner Stephen Henning. "She handles some of the most challenging matters facing businesses with intelligence, precision, and grace under pressure. This recognition is a fitting acknowledgement of not only her accomplishments but also the significant impact she continues to make on her profession."

In addition to her courtroom and litigation success, Saracyan is known for her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to advancing excellence within the legal community. Her inclusion on the 2026 Women of Influence Attorneys list places her among a distinguished group of attorneys whose work is helping shape the future of law in Los Angeles.

"I am deeply honored to be recognized among such an accomplished group of women attorneys," said Saracyan. "The law offers a unique opportunity to solve complex problems, advocate for others, and make a meaningful difference. I am grateful for the trust of my clients, the support of my colleagues, and the opportunity to do work that continually challenges and inspires me."

This recognition reflects WSHB's continues commitment to fostering exceptional talent and celebrating leaders whose influence extends well beyond the practice of law.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner 

Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 43 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.

At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.

Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.