AUTHOR AND PROSECUTOR

Missy Mandel is a prosecutor and co-author of U.S. Constitution for Dummies (Wiley, May 12, 2026). She writes fiction, memoir and narrative nonfiction drawing from more than 30 years of courtroom experience. Missy's short story "Learning to Drive" won 2nd place in the 2026 San Diego County Library Short Story Competition. Her memoir essay "Exposed" was selected for publication in Shaking the Tree, volume 8 (Memoir Writers Press, 2027), and her short story "The Wall" was published by the San Diego Decameron Project (San Diego Writers Ink, 2021.) Missy earned her Memoir Writers Certificate in 2024. She belongs to several memoir and fiction writers organizations.

Missy spent most of her 34 year career as a Supervising Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice. She has conducted more than 60 criminal jury trials, handled hundreds of appeals, and prosecuted cases in the Supreme Court. Missy is a member of the California District Attorneys Association and the creator of Prove It, a trial advocacy program for California prosecutors. She has previously served on the Judicial Nominees Evaluation Commission, advising the governor on the qualifications of prospective judicial appointees. She is active in her community as a volunteer for the San Diego Alzheimer's Association and Coastal Roots Community Farm.