About Us

Melissa Polk, Principal Attorney

Melissa is a Bay-Area-based attorney and mediator with over 15 years of legal experience. She is passionate about helping her clients navigate the legal system and protecting their rights. As a skilled negotiator, she genuinely enjoys working with people to find solutions to difficult problems. Melissa's practice is mediation and collaborative divorce-based. She can handle complex litigation involving move-away cases and asset division. Melissa can also prepare and review prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and consults on cases involving various family law issues. And Melissa can also provide mediation services to those clients looking to avoid the stress and high cost of litigation.

Melissa graduated from John F. Kennedy University School of Law. While in law school, she interned with the Environmental Protection Agency in San Francisco assisting the attorneys with legal research and working on cases involving environmental regulations and policy matters. Melissa received a Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Political Science from the University of California, Davis.

Ms. Polk formerly worked as a Senior Associate Attorney at Beck Law Group, PC in Santa Rosa. While at the firm, she focused primarily on family law and civil litigation cases.

In her spare time, Melissa enjoys reading, traveling, exploring new restaurants with friends and spending time with her husband and two kids.

Admissions

California State Bar

Eastern District of California

Northern District of California

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

Alameda Bar Association

San Francisco Bar Association

Board Member, Academy of Professional Family Mediators

Former Chair of the Alameda County ADR Executive Committee

Member, Association of Family And Conciliation Courts

Education

John F Kennedy School of Law, J.D.

University of California, Davis, BS Environmental Science

Certified Mediator, Ron Kelly, 40-hour Mediation Training

Certified Arbitrator, FINRA Securities Dispute Resolution

Arbitrator, State Bar Of California Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program

Speaking Engagements

APFM 2022 Conference Opening Plenary Panel

APFM 2023 Conference panel discussion on Complex Parenting Issues

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Priyashna Pillay-Prasad, Paralegal

Priyashna, earned her Juris Doctor and Master of Legal Studies from Monterey College of Law. Prior tolaw school, Priyashna earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice/Concentrations inCorrections, Probation & Parole. She also earned her Paralegal Certificate from the University of the Pacific.

Priyashna has worked as a family law paralegal since 2017, where she assists clients in navigating the complexities of the family law system. She has gained valuable experience in complex family law matters through her work at various law firms.

In her personal time, Priyashna enjoys playing and watching basketball, particularly supporting theSacramento Kings. She also enjoys running her small business “R&P Flower Wall and Photo BoothRentals,” with her husband. She also has a passion for traveling and spending quality time with her husband, family, friends and nieces and nephews during her leisure hours.

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