Oriel Chambers

Family Law

Melissa is a barrister specialising in family law, with a focus on private and public children proceedings. Melissa has developed a reputation for meticulous preparation of cases. Melissa is approachable, measured and conscientious. She regularly develops strong professional rapports with clients. She is a popular choice with clients and instructing solicitors.

In the private law sector, Melissa has represented parents seeking child arrangement orders, including applications for prohibited steps orders, specific issue orders and parental responsibility. She has significant experience in private law disputes. Melissa has dealt with a number of cases which involve complex legal disputes, finding of facts hearings, same sex relationships, vulnerable parents, mental health difficulties, parental alienation and where 16.4 Guardians have been appointed. Melissa also has experience of cross-examining vulnerable witnesses. She is a popular choice in all aspects of private law proceedings with solicitors and clients alike. Melissa has developed a busy and varied practice, regularly appearing in the Family Court representing parents, grandparents, guardians, interveners and local authorities in public law proceedings. Melissa represents clients regularly on complex multi-day hearings. She has experience of cases that involve neglectful parenting, drug and alcohol abuse and non-accidental injuries. Melissa has also appeared in cases where matters of radicalisation have been an issue. Melissa is often instructed on Family Law Act applications, including Non Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders. Melissa is accredited under the Direct Access scheme and welcomes instructions directly from members of the public where necessary.

Public Law, Care and Adoption

Melissa regularly acts in care and adoption proceedings. She is instructed by parents, grandparents and children’s guardian. She appears at all levels, up to and including the High Court. Melissa frequently acts for parents with learning difficulties, cognitive or mental health difficulties and she is familiar with representation through the Official Solicitor. Melissa has a sensitive approach. Melissa’s public law experience includes domestic violence, substance misuse, chronic neglect and mental health.

Private Law, Children and Domestic Abuse

Melissa has regularly undertaken private law disputes about children’s living arrangements or who they spend time with and has acted for parents and 16.4 Guardians. She is experienced in fact finding hearings involving allegations of domestic abuse.

• BPTC, BPP Leeds, 2014 • Accredited Mediator in civil and commercial disputes, 2014 • LLB University of Leeds, 2012

• Midland Circuit , Honourable Society of the Inner Temple

• Inner Temple Leonard Woodley Scholarship 2017

Medico Legal Society prize winner 2014