Melanie joined Ridley and Hall as a Partner in 2018 and works within the Family and Matrimonial Department.

Melanie brings a diverse range of skills to the department that she developed during her previous employment as an Associate Solicitor at a large National Firm and the invaluable experience she gained whilst working more recently at a boutique law firm in Leeds City Centre.

Melanie is an experienced family solicitor who offers dynamic, practical and creative advice within complex financial remedy and children disputes. Her national experience means that she is familiar with the working practices of a variety of regional divorce centres and family courts across the Country and has attended court to represent clients as far south as London and as far North as Newcastle.

Legal 500 recommend Melanie in 2016 for her ability to “negotiate strong settlements”.

The experience Melanie has extends to representing business owners as well as high net worth individuals and those with assets and/or living abroad.

She is known for her ability to be very clear and straightforward in her advice. She can dissect complex legal issues and provide advice in an uncomplicated manner whilst being extremely empathetic and personable. She advises on all areas of relationship breakdown including pre-marital planning and post marital issues.

Melanie is commended by her former clients as being “an ambassador for the firm” and for “going beyond her duty as a solicitor”. One of her former clients also stated “I became stronger and stronger with Melanie by my side at Court…I cannot recommend her enough”

Melanie is an active member of Resolution and formally sat as the Vice Chair of Y-resolution, helping to bring family solicitors of less than 10 years post qualification.

Melanie moved up to the West and North Yorkshire Resolution Committee with effect from January 2018 and continues to advocate the principles of Resolution and be involved in bringing together members across West and North Yorkshire in a variety of seminars and social events.

Melanie is actively involved in pro-bono work and has assisted in a variety of legal clinics in Leeds. She is also involved in the mentor and career progression of law students.

Outside of work, Melanie tries to live a very active lifestyle. Melanie is often at the gym, playing badminton or running. She also has a love for cooking and travelling.

Melanie is also keen on charity involvement and fundraising which enabled her to visit poor communities and schools in Kenya in 2017 with the charity “just a drop”.