Jennifer Ann Mello

Jennifer is certified as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California  Board of Legal Specialization.  She earned a B.A. in Law and Society from the University of California at Santa Barbara and her law degree from Santa Clara University. Jennifer is a member of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, , and member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association and is a member of the Family Law Executive Committee of the Santa Clara County Bar Association. Jennifer has lectured at multiple seminars for the Santa Clara County Bar Association, and Santa Clara University School of Law, and also serves as Judge Pro Tem for the Santa Clara County Superior Court.

With nearly twenty (20) years as a family law attorney, Jennifer has acted both as litigator and mediator. She has successfully handled a variety of complex family law cases involving domestic violence, child custody/visitation, child support, spousal support/alimony, financial property, and divorce. She also handles other areas of family law, including paternity, postnuptial agreements, prenuptial agreements, annulment, legal separation, and stepparent adoptions and mediation. Dealing with real people, helping them solve their problems, and making a real difference in their lives and the lives of their families is important to her.

Well before earning her J.D. at Santa Clara University School of Law, Jennifer knew she wanted to be a litigator. By the time she graduated and was admitted to practice law in the state of California as a member of the State Bar of California, she had already logged endless hours in the courtroom working for the Santa Cruz County Public Defender’s Office. Prior to that, Jennifer had worked for the Santa Clara County Alternate Defender’s Office. Although Jennifer has experience working as an attorney in the areas of family law, criminal law, and civil litigation, it is family law that is her passion. Thus, she has chosen to practice exclusively in the area of family law, founding Mello & Pickering, LLP in San Jose, California with close friend and law partner Traci Pickering.

Jennifer’s interest and exposure to family law was sparked at the age of 15 when her own parents filed for divorce. She later joined her high school’s mock trial team, acting as team prosecutor, which cemented her dream to become a litigating attorney. Jennifer understands the stress and problems that can arise when dealing with the legal process in the area of family law —for both parents and children. As a family law attorney, she wants to make sure that her clients have the tools, information, and options that they need to successfully deal with their family matter.

She is married and has three children. When she is not busy practicing law or spending time with her family, Jennifer enjoys traveling, reading books, and visiting with friends.