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Mary Elizabeth Melech

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Avvo Rating10
  • Bismarck, ND
  • Licensed for 9 years
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About Mary

Mary Melech is a Special Assistant State's Attorney of Burleigh County, North Dakota. She graduated cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles, earning her degree in Political Science. Upon graduation from UCLA, Mary attended Chapman University School of Law on a full merit scholarship. Mary graduated from law school in 2011, and was admitted to the State Bar of California later that year. In 2018 and 2019, Mary was selected by Super Lawyers as one of Southern California's Rising Stars, which is a designation reserved for only 2.5 percent of lawyers statewide.

Mary was admitted to the State Bar of North Dakota in 2019.

 

Practice areas

Government
  1. Government: 100%

    Child Welfare, Economic Assistance, and Adult Services

Languages spoken

English

Contact

415 E. Rosser Ave., Ste. 113
address map

Burleigh County Social Services

415 E. Rosser Ave., Ste. 113
Bismarck, ND, 58501

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
NDAuthorized to Practice Law201912/08/2020
CAInactive201110/28/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2019
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2018
Superb Rated AttorneyAvvo2016
Public Interest Law Foundation Pro Bono Service AwardChapman University School of Law2011
President's Merit ScholarshipChapman University School of Law2008
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Special Assistant State's AttorneyBurleigh County Social Services2019 - Present
AttorneyLaw Office of Patricia A. Hendrickson2018 - 2019
Associate AttorneyHolstrom, Block & Parke, APLC2015 - 2018
Supervising Attorney of Family Law Assessment ClinicLegal Aid Society Of Orange County2012 - 2015
ExternHuman Rights Watch2011 - 2011
Law ClerkOrange County Public Defender's Office2010 - 2010
Law ClerkLegal Aid Society Of Orange County2009 - 2009
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Orange County Lavender Bar AssociationMember2016 - Present
State Bar of California, Family Law SectionMember2016 - Present
American Civil Liberties Union of Southern CaliforniaMember2014 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember2013 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember2013 - Present
National Lawyers GuildMember2011 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember2011 - Present
U.S. District Court, Central CaliforniaN/A2011 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
California Lawyer MagazineThe State of Facebook and Family Law2016
Daily JournalFamily law clinic provides educational escape from classroom (interviewed)2013
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Chapman University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2011
University of California - Los AngelesBA - Bachelor of Arts2008
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
California High School Mock Trial FinalsScoring Judge2017
Orange County NORML Monthly MeetingChild Custody and Cannabis - "How do I keep my kid and my medical cannabis?"2016
Inland County Legal Services Family Law ClinicFamily Law2016
H.I.S. House -- Homeless Intervention Shelter and House Legal WorkshopFamily and Criminal Law Workshop2016
Orange County Clean Slate Expungement ClinicExpungements2015
State Bar of California Access to Justice Commission's Regional Meeting -- Los AngelesModest Means Incubator Project2014
State Bar of California Access to Justice Commission's Regional Meeting -- FresnoModest Means Incubator Project2014
Internships with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County at Chapman University School of LawInternships with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County2014

Reviews

(6)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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Review Mary Melech

Mary Melech what a blessing she is!

Posted by

Mary Melech is beyond outstanding! I was so proud to have an educated, poised, beautiful, passionate and professional woman stand by me and represent me at trail. She came in prepared and ready to preform and was she a class act. We knew we were walking into the lions den (because my soon to be ex-husband is a sheriff and a very difficult person to deal with!) and to top things off my judge was a tough one to conceive. I was overwhelmed and filled with emotions, but to instill me with the confidence I needed before my court, Mary took the time to meet with me on a Sunday afternoon and was extremely patient. She made sure I understood everything. Choosing an attorney can be difficult and a scary thing because your having to trust someone that you've never met with your life. I prayed that God place the right person in my path and it was Mary Melech that was my blessing. Being strong in my faith and having the right attorney was Victory!!!!! Hellehuiah Thank you Jesus.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Amazing

Posted by

I was notified 4 days before my court date that my son's mother acquired a lawyer for our custody battle, so I met with Mary the next day and I can say it was the best decision I've made for my battle. She diligently helped me gain more custody of my son, she has an amazing personality and I am very happy with the work she has put time and effort into for my case. I would recommend her to anyone who wants someone who can relate to your circumstances of your fight. And for a lawyer that will help you fight for your rights and time with your children.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

She's there for you

Posted by

I shopped around a lot for a case involving a nasty custody battle with my ex husband. After several meetings with different attorneys I trusted my instinct and went with Mary. Based on the severity of my situation, this was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Mary was honest with me about the circumstances of my case and the likelihood of my success, unlike others who promised me I would get everything. Her prediction was exactly on point for what I had received in court. Despite being against a very smooth talking jerk (my ex and his fancy lawyers), we still prevailed. I would recommend Mary to anyone who wants an honest assessment of their case, and a real fighter for their case. Thanks so much!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

family lawyer

Posted by

Ms.Melech was attentive and informative . I was extremely impressed by her and recommend her to all my family and friends. if I ever need another family attorney Mary will always be my choice. she's extremely knowledgeable about family law.the most important she is passionate about what she does. me my children will be eternally grateful her.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Determine of child arrears

Posted by

Mary is a great attorney, helped me to understand and reassured me of the process that goes in family law. Thanks Mary for your time, efforts, and determination. Job well done. "Go go Power Rangers"
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Move Away Request Success

Posted by

Mary Melech was a huge help and relief as a lawyer. She walked me through all the tedious steps, situations, court appearances, etc. that surrounded my request to move out of state with my son. We WON! And that was all due to Mary's skills and knowledge as a lawyer.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Attorney endorsements

(21)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Elisabeth Donovan, Family Attorney on Oct 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mary Melech is a bright, skilled and compassionate advocate. She is passionate about her work and goes above and beyond for her clients. Fierce in the courtroom, and empathetic and patient when she needs to be. I endorse this attorney.

William Tanner, Family Attorney on Sep 7, 2015
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

I endorse this lawyer. I have known her since she was in law school. She is bright and competent. She handles herself and her cases very professionally. I would recommend her to anyone needing legal services.

Christopher Markelz, Family Attorney on Jan 18, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mary is one of the most gifted attorneys I have the pleasure of knowing. Mary's combination of superb writing ability and poise in the courtroom make her a remarkable asset to any firm and coveted advocate to clients. I highly recommend this rising star in the Souther California legal community.

Ilian Alchehayed, Family Attorney on Jun 27, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ms. Melech is a very caring attorney and very knowledgeable in family law. Any client is very lucky to have Ms. Melech in their corner advocating on their behalf. I endorse this lawyer.

Ross Russell

Mary is a bright and aggressive advocate who works tirelessly for her clients. She is highly respected within the legal community and delivers great results for her clients. They are in good hands with Mary Melech. I endorse this lawyer.

Krystle Lilly, Family Attorney on Jun 8, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Michelle Brooker, Domestic violence Attorney on Apr 13, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

James Parke, Child custody Attorney on Mar 25, 2016
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

I endorse this lawyer.

Ronald Funk, Family Attorney on Mar 18, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Mary is very bright and capable. She has a great understanding of the law. I endorse this lawyer.

Sheila-Marie Finkelstein, Family Attorney on Mar 18, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

Mary Melech is a very approachable family law attorney. She cares about her clients.

Kristen Holstrom, Child custody Attorney on Mar 18, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Ms. Melech is a strong, detail oriented and talented lawyer. She is aggressive when she needs to be and a great advocate for her clients. I endorse Ms. Melech.

Dayn Holstrom, Family Attorney on Mar 17, 2016
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

I endorse this lawyer.

William Peacock, Family Attorney on Feb 17, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

Smart. Tough. Friendly. There aren't enough positive adjectives to describe this attorney. Mary is a heck of a lawyer.

Chandra Moss, Family Attorney on Jan 15, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Carrie Block, Family Attorney on Dec 13, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Elisabeth Lord, Family Attorney on Nov 20, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Marie Braun, Family Attorney on Nov 19, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Kathleen Keeley, Child custody Attorney on Nov 5, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

An attorney with a great reputation inside and outside of the courtroom.

Samantha McBride, Family Attorney on Nov 4, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Sharon Anderson, Family Attorney on Nov 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mary Melech is a compassionate advocate for her clients and a skilled litigator with a strong attention to detail.

Elisabeth Donovan, Family Attorney on Oct 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mary Melech is a bright, skilled and compassionate advocate. She is passionate about her work and goes above and beyond for her clients. Fierce in the courtroom, and empathetic and patient when she needs to be. I endorse this attorney.

William Tanner, Family Attorney on Sep 7, 2015
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

I endorse this lawyer. I have known her since she was in law school. She is bright and competent. She handles herself and her cases very professionally. I would recommend her to anyone needing legal services.