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Experienced Guidance In Family Law
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Group photo of the staff members at Columbia Family Law Center

Our Staff

Beth

Beth

Beth brings over 20 years of experience in office management and administration to our law firm. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills, Beth ensures the smooth operation of our office, allowing our legal team to focus on providing top-notch services to our clients. Beth’s expertise includes managing daily office activities, coordinating schedules, overseeing administrative staff, and implementing efficient office procedures. Her proactive approach and dedication to excellence have made her an invaluable asset to our team. In addition to her professional skills, Beth is known for her approachable demeanor and ability to foster a positive work environment. She is committed to supporting both our staff and clients, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued. Outside of work, Beth enjoys spending time at local beaches, reading mystery novels and spending time with her family.

Headshot of paralegal Melinda

Melinda

Melinda was a paralegal for Bruce Clement from 2002 until Mr. Clement’s semi-retirement in 2023, and she has worked as a paralegal for Desmond Kolke for many years now as well. Melinda feels blessed to have been able to work with such knowledgeable and effective attorneys.  Over the years, Melinda has worked effectively with other attorneys at Columbia Family Law Center on family law cases, including assisting on cases with military retirement disputes, highly litigious parenting disputes, and complex, high-asset cases.  Melinda received her AAS decree to become a paralegal from Highline Community College in 1998.  Even in college, Melinda knew that she wanted to focus on family law work.  She is very detailed oriented and able to think “outside the box”.  She enjoys helping clients resolve their often-complex legal situations, and she gets a sense of satisfaction when cases can be resolved in favor of not only the clients, but their children as well.  Outside of work, Melinda likes to garden, read, and spend quality time with her family and dog.

Headshot of paralegal Alyssa

Alyssa

Alyssa has been with the firm since May 2019. From reception, she quickly advanced to a Legal Assistant position, supporting paralegals and assisting the Office Manager with clerical duties. Alyssa earned her Paralegal Certificate from Green River Community College in 2021, demonstrating her dedication to the field. Alyssa has proven to be an invaluable asset to our growing firm. She handles every case with compassion and empathy, ensuring every client feels well cared for by our team. As a paralegal, Alysa collaborates with attorneys to draft legal documents such as divorce petitions, child custody agreements, child support calculations, property division agreements, and other necessary court filings. Organizing case files, tracking deadlines, preparing for court hearings, mediations, and compiling evidence are essential parts of her job. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys time with family, striving in the gym, and taking her dog on adventures.

Headshot of paralegal Ashley

Ashley

Ashley graduated from Tacoma Community College paralegal program in June 2017 with high honors. She initially worked in a family law firm as an intern for a class and fell in love with it. She became a full-time paralegal before even graduating. Family law is something that Ashley is very passionate about. Ashley is a single mom who has been through the difficult and emotional process that is involved with family law. She is glad to be able to assist people who are struggling with the same process. Ashley feels very lucky to be learning from two long time paralegals like Melinda. In her spare time Ashley enjoys playing her Xbox and bowling.

Headshot of paralegal Leslie

Lesley

Lesley is the Accounting Manager at Clement Law Center, where she manages all aspects of the firm’s accounting functions, including trust accounting, financial reporting, and compliance.

Prior to joining Clement Law Center, Lesley owned and operated her own accounting business, providing services to a variety of clients. Earlier in her career, she served as the Controller for the members’ association of a rapidly growing vacation ownership company, contributing to its expansion from a startup to an international organization.

Lesley is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Washington State and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington.

Outside of work, Lesley enjoys tackling home remodel projects with her husband, perfecting her espresso-making skills, and spending quality time with her daughter.