Kingsley Napley LLP

Regulatory and professional discipline.

Melinka is a litigation specialist with expertise in the fields of private prosecutions, professional discipline and Health and Safety.

Melinka heads up the team responsible for private prosecutions. She helps individuals, corporates and charities bring criminal prosecutions, especially when the State fails to act.

Melinka has over twelve years’ experience of investigating and presenting high-profile fitness to practise cases. She also advises regulatory clients on the suitability of their enforcement regimes.

Melinka acts for directors and senior officers accused of committing health and safety offences. She also advises them on what constitutes effective governance over health and safety within their organisations.

Prior to joining Kingsley Napley, Melinka was the Head of Licensing for JD Wetherspoon plc. She continues to help operators in the leisure sector to comply with their regulatory responsibilities or respond to enforcement action.

Admitted as a solicitor and barrister of the High Court of New Zealand 2000; employed by Crown Solicitor for Wellington, New Zealand 2000-05; admitted to the roll of solicitors for England and Wales 2006; head of licensing JD Wetherspoon plc 2006-09; solicitor advocate (criminal) 2007; Kingsley Napley LLP 2009 to date, partner 2011.

Melinka is a founding member of the Private Prosecutors’ Association. She is on the Advisory Board to the Victims of Crime Association of Lawyers. She is a member of the Health and Safety Lawyers’ Association and the Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers.