The years that truly formed Melissa's legal career were the 7 years she spent working as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for the Cook County Public Guardian's Office representing abused and neglected children (DCFS Wards). It was there that she developed a deep passion and dedication to children and families in the legal system.
Melissa graduated from The John Marshall Law School in 2008. Shortly thereafter, she began her career with the Cook County Public Guardian's Office.
After 7 years of dedicating her life to public service and to the children in DCFS care, Melissa decided to branch out into Family Law. She joined Sullivan Taylor and Gumina in 2015 focusing on family law, child law, Adoption, DCFS work, and GAL work. She then joined Mulyk Laho, LLC in 2018 focusing on family law, child law, Adoption, DCFS and GAL work. From there, Melissa opened Kuffel Law, LLC in February, 2021.
Melissa is very involved in her community. She was the past President for the Dupage Association of Women Lawyers (D.A.W.L.), as well as a former Kendall County Bar Association Board Member. She serves on the Hearing Board for the Attorney Registration and Discipline Committee (ARDC). She was also the Child Advocacy Chair in DuPage County in 2019. Melissa also volunteers for Meals on Wheels. She also does presentations in the legal community including speaking at the DCBA Diversity Symposium and publishes articles on how DCFS works and how to navigate DCFS Appeals. She was also nominated as a Super Lawyer's Rising Star in 2021 and again in 2022.