Commercial litigation expert
Are you worried that a commercial or personal dispute is spiralling out of control? Are you concerned about how to manage the financial and reputational costs and risk, but need to take steps to protect your position? If yes, Melissa is able to help resolve and manage the dispute with your interests at the heart of her approach.
Melissa understands the personal and commercial strain such disputes can place on those experiencing disagreements first hand. She listens carefully to concerns, ensuring her advice is not only legally sound but also aligned with the outcomes clients would like to see.
If you are facing a disagreement, ask yourself these 4 questions:
- Is the disagreement escalating or becoming too complex to handle?
- Are disputes brewing between shareholders, business partners, or over commercial contracts?
- Do you suspect professional negligence, or are financial or insurance issues at stake?
- Are you worried about protecting your reputation or that of your business?
If the answer is yes to any of the above, it is time to seek legal advice from a lawyer who can handle complex disputes. We cannot stress enough, when the stakes are high there is no substitute for extensive legal expertise in this area.
As Head of Commercial Litigation at HM3 Legal, Melissa is a client-focused lawyer who combines strategic thinking with a commercial mindset. Acting as a trusted down-to-earth adviser, she is known for her strong negotiation skills, always protecting her clients’ interests while unlocking creative solutions. Melissa also works closely with Michael Chambers, Head of Resolution and Recovery, and Johanna Smallman ensuring a joined-up approach.
Commercial dispute resolution and litigation specialist
Melissa represents both businesses and individuals, handling a wide range of disputes. She has extensive experience in the following areas:
- breach of contract cases
- shareholder disagreements / disputes
- professional negligence claims
- insurance disputes.
Whether acting for claimants or defendants, Melissa’s approach is pragmatic and results-driven.
She has advised on cases in the County Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal, and regularly uses mediation to achieve cost-effective resolutions. Melissa’s expertise has been recognised in legal journals, national press interviews, and live appearances on BBC television and radio. In 2022, she shared her insights on commercial contract disputes on Radio 4’s Money Box personal finance programme.
Successfully resolving complex disputes
Melissa’s ability to resolve disputes effectively is reflected in the results she achieves for clients. Recent examples include:
- Avoiding a £40 million claim in a high-stakes engineering dispute by negotiating a resolution that safeguarded the client’s relationship with a key client.
- Successfully disposing of a multi-million-pound contractual claim brought by an international telecommunications giant.
- Guiding a company director and shareholder to negotiate fair exit terms after a fallout with their co-director, ensuring a smooth transition.
- Achieving a 6-figure settlement for a high-net-worth claimant in a complex professional negligence case involving tax advice that led to a significant HMRC bill.
- Successfully disposing of a claim against a high street bank accused of failing to follow instructions, which allegedly impacted the claimant’s investment.
- Helping a client resolve a contentious dispute with their insurer and broker after a denied income protection insurance claim.
- Negotiating favourable terms for a commercial shopping centre in a dispute over alleged underinsurance following a catastrophic fire.
- Securing a settlement for a client against solicitors who provided inadequate advice on restrictive covenants in a shareholder agreement, and successfully assisted the client in negotiating a release from those restrictions.
- Successfully settling a dispute at mediation after a firm of solicitors provided negligent advice on an employment law case, leading to failed litigation.
More than legal advice
Whether resolving disputes through litigation, mediation, or negotiation, Melissa’s focus remains on achieving practical, cost-effective outcomes that protect clients’ interests and reputations.
When it comes to working with Melissa and our team we let others do the talking:
“Melissa is everything I look for in a solicitor. She is client-focused and committed to providing a high quality of professional service. Melissa worked tirelessly for me to achieve the very best outcome in my professional negligence claim and was always friendly and approachable. I felt confident and assured with Melissa handling my case and I never doubted I was in safe hands.” CH, individual
“It was critical that I commissioned the right solicitor to deal with my insurance dispute. I needed someone who was honest with opinions, tenacious with approach, accurate with detail and, above all, realistic in managing my expectations; qualities that Melissa has in abundance. I would happily recommend this solicitor to anyone looking for a quality service.” JH, Managing Director, UK-based corporate company
“Melissa worked with me for approximately four years during which time I can categorically state that she is calm and capable under extreme pressure and has an extremely sharp mind but carries the grace and compassion to take the time to help one understand even the finest details without even a hint of arrogance or frustration. Melissa is extremely caring and always went the extra mile … I would follow Melissa anywhere with my business concerns as I know I would always be in the safest of hands.” PH, director, UK corporate in the pharmacy sector
“Melissa has successfully represented me over the last three years. Throughout Melissa has maintained the highest standards of professionalism and care for my best interests. I would have no hesitation in recommending Melissa as a highly trustworthy, well contacted and professional solicitor.” NC, individual
