What you need in a legal team:
Client-centered and detail-oriented.

About Our Team

Matthew Gilbert, Law Clerk
Matthew Gilbert, a J.D. candidate at William Mitchell College of Law, previously worked for Marilyn J. Michales in 2007-2008 as a Law Clerk/Financial Analyst. "We require a law clerk who understands complex financial issues," says Marilyn J. Michales. "Matt combines his B.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an interest in all things financial with strong research and writing skills." Gilbert's additional legal experience includes Legal Content Intern at Thomson Reuters; Tax Return Preparation Volunteer at VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance); and Financial Advisor Intern for Edward Jones. His personal interests include football, basketball, and Chinese food.

Norina Dove, Business Manager & Paralegal
Norina has more than 27 years of experience in the legal field, with an emphasis on business and real estate law. She has assisted with the discovery process on several high-profile legal cases, including, during the 1980s, LSGI v. City of Minneapolis and, in the 1990s, Bokusky v. Edina Realty, Inc. Norina's additional work experience includes a term as corporate officer for Prudential Home Mortgage. Currently, she is a councilwoman for Spring Park, Minnesota. "I have been privileged to work with some brilliant attorneys who have believed that I have a unique talent and have taken me under their wings and taught me quite a lot," says Norina. Her personal interests include boating and gardening.

Cassandra Dulyx, Paralegal
Cassie has worked as a paralegal for Marilyn J. Michales since 2007. She began her career in the legal field in 2002, drafting and editing appeals for the St. Paul-based office of the court-appointed Monitor of the Black Farmer's Class Action Settlement regarding race discrimination in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) farm loan programs. Cassie learned to handle law cases with compassion and professionalism while working for the Monitor. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and earned her paralegal degree from Inver Hills Community College. Cassie's personal interests include working in her garden, traveling, reading and spending time with her family.

Shary Potter, Paralegal
Shary earned her paralegal degree from Sonoma State University and has been a practicing paralegal for nearly six years. Prior to entering the legal field, Shary acquired extensive experience in business by working in various functions of bookkeeping, a discipline that, like family law, necessitates scrupulous attention to detail. She is the mother of two boys and enjoys hiking and reading in her spare time.

Jessica R. Wittkopf, Paralegal
Jessica earned her paralegal degree from North Hennepin Community College. She brings to Marilyn J. Michales & Associates P.A. experience as an office manager, legal secretary, and paralegal. She has primarly worked in family law, and has also worked on adoption, employment, discrimination, criminal defense, and estate planning files, as well.

Brooke Benson, Receptionist & Legal Assistant
Brooke is a graduate of the University of North Dakota, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes working for the Bottineau County Sheriff's Office. She is expanding her legal career and is considering law school. Brooke's personal interests include enjoying the lakes with her family and friends, as well as reading and movies.

About Us

Marilyn J. Michales & Associates is a Twin Cities-based family law practice that provides a solution-oriented alternative to the time consuming and costly conventional approach to divorce in Minnesota.

The firm was founded by Super Lawyer^® Marilyn J. Michales, who oversees a team of legal professionals committed to providing the highest level of service to our clients.