St Philips Chambers

Regulatory

Melanie is a highly skilled and experienced advocate, having appeared before District Judges, Circuit Judges, High Court Judges, and the Court of Appeal in contentious matters.  She has also represented clients at mediation proceedings.

In June 2008 Melanie was appointed as a Coroner for West Yorkshire (Eastern District). Her role as Coroner has entailed involvement with a number of different public bodies and regulatory organisations – Prison Service, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, Health and Safety Executive, General Medical Council, Care Quality Commission, and Local Authorities.

Melanie is also experienced in credit hire and has run and defended credit hire claims within the small claims track and fast track. Melanie is keenly aware of the commercial considerations underpinning credit hire claims as well as the impact upon and experiences of lay clients attending court in relation to credit hire claims. Melanie is well versed in the technical arguments run in credit hire cases and looks forward to sharing her knowledge with solicitors within this complex, and developing, area of law.

She is particularly interested in claims involving fraud. Her significant experience in the small claims track, fast track and multi track has gleaned a sound knowledge of the sorts of arguments judges find attractive. Melanie is therefore especially well placed to advise upon prospects where there are arguments as to liability, causation and allegations of fraud/fundamental dishonesty.

Her busy court practice consists of trials, interlocutory hearings and disposal hearings. Melanie is keenly aware of the commercial considerations underpinning credit hire claims as well as the impact upon, and experiences of, lay clients attending court.

She is happy to advise in writing as well as dealing with advocacy work.

Called to the Bar in 1990.