Melissa Caballero Dunn, ADR Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 16 years of legal practice · focused on ADR and Family Law
Chicago, IL
Practicing adr in Chicago since 2010.
- 16+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Melissa Caballero Dunn?
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Quick answer
Melissa Caballero Dunn is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Melissa has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Merel Family Law.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- over 16 years
- Known for
- ADR · Family Law
- Handles ADR and Family Law matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
About Melissa Caballero Dunn: Melissa Caballero Dunn is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Melissa has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Merel Family Law.
Areas of practice
Melissa's practice areas in Chicago
Melissa concentrates on adr and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Melissa handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR cases in Chicago, Illinois
Melissa takes adr matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois
Melissa takes family law matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Melissa agrees to represent you.
Biography
Melissa Caballero Dunn, adr attorney serving Chicago
Melissa Caballero Dunn is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Melissa has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Merel Family Law. Melissa works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on adr matters across the region.
Melissa Caballero Dunn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation.
Melissa Caballero, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melissa Caballero is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Melissa's approach to adr cases
Melissa Caballero Dunn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Melissa Caballero, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melissa Caballero is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and…
Clients Melissa works with
Melissa reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr and family law matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Melissa studied and practices
Chicago-Kent College of Law at IIT
J.D. · 2010
Jurisdictions
Melissa's state bar admissions
Illinois, Illinois S
2010 · ACTIVE
Melissa studied at J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law at IIT.
Law school and academic background
Melissa completed J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law at IIT. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Melissa runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Melissa's legal honors and published work
Melissa has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation (2026).
Locations
Melissa Caballero Dunn's office in Chicago
Melissa's primary office is at 440 W Randolph Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Melissa Caballero Dunn
Melissa has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Melissa Caballero Dunn — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Melissa usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Melissa charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Melissa will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Melissa
Melissa discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Melissa confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Melissa's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Melissa Caballero Dunn
How much does it cost to hire Melissa for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Melissa walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Melissa offer a free consultation?
Melissa charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Melissa's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Melissa's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Melissa gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Melissa take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Melissa is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Melissa will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Melissa?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Melissa will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Melissa accepting new adr clients right now?
Melissa's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Melissa handles adr matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in Illinois
If Melissa's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





