Melissa Picciola

Melissa Picciola has had a diverse range of work experience. Melissa most recently served as the Director of Pro Bono & Community Partnerships at Legal Aid Chicago, a position they have held since January 2018. Prior to that, they worked as the Volunteer and Pro Bono Program Director at Catholic Charities Legal Assistance from May 2017 to January 2018. From June 2016 to May 2017, Melissa worked as the Pro Bono Coordinator/Staff Attorney at Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing. Before transitioning into the nonprofit sector, Melissa worked as a Staff Attorney at Equip for Equality from January 2010 to June 2016, and as a Public Interest Fellow from March 2009 to January 2010. Melissa also gained legal experience as an Associate at McDermott Will & Emery LLP from September 2008 to February 2009, and as a Law Clerk at the Federal Trade Commission from May 2006 to August 2006. In addition, Melissa held positions as a Legislative Aide at the Office of United States Senator Richard J. Durbin from January 2005 to August 2005, and with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in May 2003.

Melissa Picciola earned their Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and Political Science, with a focus on Liberal Arts and Sciences, from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Melissa attended the university from 2001 to 2004. Following this, Melissa pursued their legal education at the University of Illinois College of Law, where they obtained their Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from 2005 to 2008.