Our Staff

Melodie J. Allen

Paralegal

Melodie J. Allen has been with our firm since March 2001. A graduate of the Edmonds Community College Paralegal Program, Melodie has continued her education by participating in educational classes sponsored by the Washington State and King County Bar Associations. Melodie also holds a professional membership with the Washington State Paralegal Association.

As our most senior employee, Melodie has been a critically important part of the firm. Adding healthy measures of patience and persistence, she is well suited to deal with the many characteristics and emotions involved in this practice.

She is professional and extremely responsive to attorney and client demands. She handles last-minute requirements with grace and poise and always delivers. She is an organized, proactive and professional team player whose behind-the-scenes work is a large component to the success of our firm. Until recently marrying, she was a single mother of two daughters.

Shannon Laliberte

Office Manager and Paralegal

Shannon joined our firm in 2012 as a paralegal and is now our office manager as well. A past graduate of the Edmonds Community College Paralegal program, she has experience in family law, real estate, intellectual property and personal injury law, but family law has always been her passion. Her warm calmness in chaotic situations and strong organizational skills are a huge asset to clients navigating through difficult circumstances. Shannon very much enjoys the contact with clients, putting them at ease, and making sure they are heard. Until recently remarrying, Shannon was a single mother of three children.

Brenda Alverez

Client & Account Administrator/Paralegal

Brenda Alvarez joined O'Brian & Associates in February 2015 as our client and account administrator, as well as handling paralegal duties. She recently earned a Paralegal Studies Degree and has past experience working in accounting. Brenda is often the friendly voice you hear answering our phone, and is available to assist you in scheduling appointments and relaying messages, as well as handling client billing. Brenda is bilingual and speaks Spanish fluently. She also is the single mother of two young children, and an empathetic ear to clients going through difficult situations.

Stephanie Powell

Paralegal

The newest addition to our firm, Stephanie, comes to us from Texas where she practiced family law as an attorney for several years. As a paralegal, Stephanie retains her passion for helping clients through emotional transitions in their family dynamic. She has particular interests in the needs of children, victims of domestic violence, and the unique needs of immigrants experiencing divorce. Stephanie takes pride in her strong organizational skills as well as her approachability and willingness to go the extra mile. She is very happy to live in Washington and is thoroughly enjoying everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. She lives with her husband and their young son.