CNY Collaborative Family Law ProfessionalsDedicated to settlement of family disputes out of court
…with integrity and dignity.

Professional Bio

Practice

Melissa has practiced family law for nearly a decade. She served in the Onondaga County Attorney’s Office as the Deputy County Attorney Family Court Prosecutor where she participated in all stages of abuse and neglect proceedings, conducted fact-finding and dispositional trials as well as evidentiary hearings for both Article 3 and 7 Juvenile and Persons In Need of Supervision matters, and served as an active advocate for individuals faced with mental health issues within the Court system. In this role she also participated in community based training for the purpose of offering insights into the function and goals of the County Attorney’s Office.

Previously as the Assistant County Attorney — Juvenile Prosecutor for the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, Melissa drafted municipal contracts and participated in all stages of child support and paternity proceedings.

Prior to her legal career, Melissa interned as a social worker for the Onondaga County of Social Services where she examined preliminary applications of clients to determine initial eligibility for government assistance, and researched case-files and prepared recoupment papers for clients delinquent on repayment and cases dealing with welfare fraud. Professional and Community Involvement

Melissa is a member of the CNY Collaborative Family Law Professionals and the Town of Cicero Ethics Board. She is Secretary of the Cicero Republican Committee, and an attorney for the Town of Cicero Zoning Board. Additionally, Melissa has participated in fund raising campaign efforts for the town of Cicero.

Education

• J.D., Syracuse University College of Law, 1999
• B.A., LeMoyne College, 1996

Admissions

• New York