News & Resources

DWK Shareholder Marilyn J. Cleveland Retires

Jun 28, 2019 | Press Releases

After more than 30 years of practicing law, Marilyn J. Cleveland has announced her decision to retire from active practice as of June 30, 2019. Marilyn joined the firm in 1990, when it was called Breon, O’Donnell, Miller, Brown & Dannis. In 1995, she became a non-equity shareholder, then an equity shareholder in 1998.

Over the years, Marilyn has been and continues to be a leader, mentor and counselor for our clients, attorneys and staff. In addition to serving as a partner and mentor, she led DWK’s Business, Property and Construction practice group from 2000-2004. Marilyn has also been a member of the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH), and its Legal Advisory Committee for over 20 years. She has also been a member of the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) for more than 15 years, serving in a variety of capacities including on the State Board of Directors, the CASBO Foundation Board, Chair of the state-wide Associate Member Committee and as an associate member liaison for the Northern Section Board of Directors.

All of our school districts, community colleges and other public entities will continue to be able to call on Marilyn’s vast experience and expertise as she will consult on special projects as Of Counsel. Marilyn will also remain a valued teacher, mentor and guide for our attorneys and staff. DWK congratulates Marilyn on a well-earned retirement, and on the start of a new chapter.

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Dannis Woliver Kelley (DWK) is a full service education law firm focused entirely on serving and providing legal representation for California public school districts, county offices of education, community colleges and other educational organizations. Established in 1976, DWK is one of the largest women-owned law firms in the country. The firm’s areas of practice include: Board Ethics, Transparency and Accountability; Business and Property; Charter Schools; Construction; Labor, Employment and Personnel; Litigation; Public Finance; and Students and Special Education. DWK provides preventive, practical and cost effective legal counsel on key issues surrounding your core mission – the education of students.

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