Melissa Fernandez (Marin) graduated from DePaul University in 2015 where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Political Science. Melissa went on to receive her law degree from DePaul University College of Law in 2019 with a certificate in Family Law where she graduated Cum Laude and maintained herself on the Dean's list for all three years.
From a very young age, Melissa knew that she was passionate about family law. As a child of divorced parents, Melissa brings a unique perspective to the firm having experienced the breakdown of her family at a young age. Melissa prides herself on being able to help families who are going through the same thing as well as counsel and advise clients during the other often difficult and emotional issues associated with family law.
She carried her passion for family law with her to law school where she was heavily involved in DePaul's family law program. Upon acceptance to DePaul, Melissa received a Dean's scholarship to help fund her law school education for her outstanding academic performance in undergrad. At DePaul, Melissa was selected to be a Family Law fellow after being awarded the Schiller DuCanto & Fleck Family Law Center Scholarship. She also served as Vice President for the Child and Family Law Association and was awarded two CALI Excellence for the Future Awards for receiving the highest grade in both her Family Law legal drafting and Legal Analysis Research and Communication classes. During law school, Melissa recognized that being an effective advocate for her clients would require her to be well versed in the rules of civil procedure, the rules of evidence, and courtroom procedure. As a result, Melissa competed as a member of DePaul's Appellate Moot Court team where she displayed a passion for litigation and skill in oral advocacy.
To learn more: https://www.dupagedivorcelawyers.com/attorneys/melissa-l-fernandez
- DePaul College of Law
- J.D. (2019) | Law
- Activities: Certificate in Family Law Honors: Dean's list, CALI Excellence for the Future Award: Legal Analysis Research and Communication & Family Law Legal Drafting Appellate Moot Court Member Former Vice President of Child and Family Law Association Schiller DuCanto and Fleck Family Law Fellow
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- DePaul University
- B.A. (2015) | Major: English - Minor: Political Science
- Honors: Deans List
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- Attorney
- Antoniolli, Cerny & Winthers, P.C.
- - Current
- Attorney
- McSwain Nagle Giese & Rapp, P.C.
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- Associate Attorney
- Kollias & Giese, P.C.
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- Law Clerk
- The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C.
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- Judicial Extern
- Circuit Court of Cook County
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- Law Clerk
- Legal Aid Society Metropolitan Family Services
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- “The Uncertainty of Relocation – Where are we going?
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Navigating Section 607.6 of the IMDMA: The Use of Counseling Communications in Litigation
- DCBA Brief
- Certificate in Family Law
- DePaul University College of Law
- Rising Star
- Super Lawyers
- State Bar of Illinois # 6333019
- Member
- Current
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- DuPage County Bar Association
- Wellness Committee
- - Current
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- Illinois
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- Free Consultation
- Divorce
- Contested Divorce, Property Division, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
- Family Law
- Child Custody, Child Support, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders
- Domestic Violence
- Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Probate
- Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
- English: Spoken, Written