Connect with meMelissa specialises in professional indemnity claims, representing the interests of construction and finance professionals. She has extensive experience defending claims against engineers, builders, architects, accountants, real estate agents and solicitors, regularly appearing in the Supreme and District Courts of NSW.
Melissa is known for her ability to manage high-value and difficult litigated and unlitigated multi-party disputes, which include a range from large-scale construction projects to single dwelling houses.
Beyond her defence work, she provides clear, strategic advice on complex coverage issues for major insurers, working collaboratively with clients to achieve favourable outcomes.
Melissa brings a pragmatic and commercially focused approach to managing claims, having worked as a solicitor in professional liability matters across Australia and New Zealand.
- Defending a wide range of construction professionals such as architects / draftspersons, engineers (including civil, structural, geotechnical and fire), building certifiers, land surveyors, and project managers / superintendents, in design and defect claims, including in proceedings in the District and Supreme Courts, NCAT and VCAT.
- Acting for various insured professionals against allegations of negligence, breach of contract and misleading and deceptive conduct.
- Advising on complex coverage issues on various policies, in particular, professional liability, management liability and employment practices liability.
- Acting for legal practitioners in claims by clients and former clients.
- Assisting health practitioners, such as veterinarians and pharmacists, to respond to complaints made against them by patients, colleagues or employers to the federal regulator, independent statutory bodies and health professional councils.
- Advising and representing employers in employment disputes brought by current and former employees, including appearing for employers in mediations. Advising employers on privacy and health and safety obligations.
- Professional Liability
- Directors and Officers Liability
- Financial Institutions
- Management Liability
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Professional and Business Services
- Financial Institutions and Services
- Law Society of New South Wales
- Women in Insurance
- Young Insurance Professionals