Melissa completed her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Diploma of Legal Practice in 2021. Thereafter, in the same year, she was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland. Prior to her admission to practice, and shortly thereafter, Melissa had some 6 years of experience working in the areas of personal injury law and class actions, specialising in areas such as, motor vehicle and work cover claims, abuse law, medical negligence, product liability, total permanent disability and income protection claims, and public liability matters.
Since 2023, Melissa has practiced in a full suite of family law and civil matters, including general property and Parenting Disputes and Intervention Orders. She has also gained experience across a broad range of matters including divorce applications, spousal maintenance, binding financial agreements, child support agreements and child protection matters.
Prior to the commencement of her Law degree, and whilst undertaking various roles in human services, including as a volunteer undertaking Aid Work in the Philippines and Cambodia, she completed a Bachelor of Social Science (majoring in human services) and a Graduate Diploma in Health and Wellness.
Melissa appreciates the complexity that underpins family relationships and seeks to ensure there is a pragmatic approach to handling disputes. She is passionate about ensuring the needs of any children of the relationship are at the forefront of the parents’ decision making, and that parties explore dispute resolution where they are able and capable of doing so. In the event litigation is required, she seeks to incorporate multifaceted jurisprudence, including, where appropriate, advocacy to ensure a just and equitable outcome is achieved for the family dynamic, and will always advocate strongly for the rights of her clients.
She is very empathic and understands a unique approach must be taken when approaching each individual case.
Interests
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys various fitness activities, including hiking, cycling, and running. She also enjoys reading, and frequenting various sporting and theatre events, taking care of her plants, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
Qualifications & Memberships
· Bachelor of Laws with Honours
· Graduate Diploma in Health and Wellness
· Bachelor of Social Science (majoring in Human Services)
· Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
· Admission to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland
· Register of Practitioners of the High Court of Australia
