Melissa is a Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution, advising both businesses and individuals involved in a broad spectrum of contentious legal matters. She has extensive experience in negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, and representing clients at all stages of Court proceedings. Known for her client-focused and pragmatic approach, Melissa provides clear, strategic advice designed to achieve cost-effective solutions in complex disputes.
Professional Background
Melissa graduated with a first-class degree from Cardiff University and achieved a distinction in the Legal Practice Course. She joined Wansbroughs as a trainee, undertaking seats in Corporate and Commercial, as well as Private Client, before qualifying into the Dispute Resolution team.
Expertise
- Landlord & Tenant Disputes (Residential Possessions) – experienced in advising landlords and tenants on all aspects of residential possession claims, including preparation of notices, proceedings for possession, rent arrears, and enforcement against tenants.
- Property Ownership Disputes – acts in complex disputes relating to property ownership, with particular experience in cohabitation disputes between unmarried couples, disagreements regarding beneficial interests, and applications under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA).
- Dilapidations Claims – provides comprehensive end of lease advice and assistance to both landlords and tenants, including assessment and negotiation of dilapidations claims and resolution of repair liability issues.
- Restrictive Covenant Breaches – advises on claims for damages and injunctions resulting from breaches of restrictive covenants affecting land and property, and has experience in bringing and defending applications to enforce or vary covenants.
- Boundary and Neighbour Disputes – handles disputes regarding the location of boundaries, party wall issues, encroachments, and rights of way, offering strategic guidance on resolution through negotiation or litigation where necessary.
- Construction and Building Disputes – advises clients in relation to construction and building disputes, including claims relating to faulty or incomplete building works, breach of contract by contractors, and defective workmanship.
- Contentious Probate – experienced in probate and inheritance disputes, including Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims, challenges to the validity of wills, and disputes between executors, trustees and beneficiaries.
Notable Experience:
- Securing an order for sale of a property.
- A successful track record acting for landlords in residential possession claims.
- A favourable outcome for our client following a mediation relating to a contract dispute.
- High-value, complex disputes often involving multiple parties.
Approcah
Melissa adopts a pragmatic, empathetic, and commercially astute approach, combining technical legal knowledge with effective negotiation and advocacy. She aims to resolve disputes swiftly and cost-effectively, and is experienced in mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, as well as court representation when required.
Client Offering
Whether you are facing a landlord and tenant issue, a contractual disagreement, or a complex property dispute, our Dispute Resolution team is here to guide you through negotiation, mediation, or litigation to achieve the best possible outcome.
