612-361-6180
ATTORNEY PROFILES
Legal teamwork matters. Our lawyers have worked together for many years, and we enjoy a genuine camaraderie with one another. As a result, we benefit from being able to consult with one another and draw upon each other’s particular strengths. This synergy and collaboration in turn benefits our clients. Our attorney profiles provide you with information regarding each individual's background and qualifications. You can view detailed profiles by clicking on an attorney's name on our website at: www.dcsfamilylaw.com.
Melissa Chawla
Melissa began her family law career as a judicial law clerk in family court, where she was inspired to advocate for individuals and families whose lives are impacted within the courtroom on a daily basis. In her law practice, Melissa is a problem-solver, bringing a calm and reasoned approach to resolving matters outside of court, whether the issues are child-related, financial, or otherwise. When litigation is necessary, Melissa's goal is to handle the case as efficiently as possible.
Jack DeWalt​
​
In Memoriam: We honor the memory of Jack, who passed away in 2025. Jack was a gifted advocate, trusted colleague, and dear friend whose dedication to equal access to justice and practical, client-centered counsel shaped this firm from its earliest days. His deep commitment to families, his expertise in family and tribal law, and his generous mentorship of younger lawyers made him a true giant in the Minnesota family law community and left a lasting legacy in our profession and in the lives of the many clients he served.
​
​
​
​
Marian Saksena
With cross-training in law and social work, Marian brings a unique set of skills to her family and child protection practice. Prior to entering private practice, Marian worked as a staff attorney for Children's Law Center of Minnesota. Marian remains committed to promoting child well-being as she advises and advocates for her clients. She is also a qualified neutral under Rule 114, serving as a parenting time expeditor, mediator, early neutral evaluator, and parenting consultant.