Melanie is an experienced litigator, helping government clients defend personal injury claims. She advises on police tort claims, institutional abuse, occupiers' liability and associated litigation. Melanie has experience working for the State of Victoria, advising on high profile and sensitive litigation.
Clients value Melanie for her practical mindset, responsiveness and ability to explain complex concepts during fast moving interlocutory steps.
Melanie holds a Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) from Monash University and was admitted to practice in 2020. She has appeared in Victoria, in the County Court and Supreme Court. Melanie previously worked as a Judge's Associate in the County Court of Victoria, and has worked as a government lawyer.
Experience
- Acting for Victoria Police in police tort claims, including assault, battery, false imprisonment, misfeasance in public office, malicious prosecution and collateral abuse of process.
- Acting for government clients such as the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, Department of Education and DFFH in defending personal injury claims arising from historical and modern institutional abuse. Melanie also has experience advising in novel duty claims of abuse, such as at school camps.
- Advising government clients in response to claims involving self-represented litigants.
- Acting for various government clients in relation to personal injury claims and/or wrongful death claims, arising out of circumstances including alleged sexual harassment, rape, assault, suicide, and workplace bullying or management action.
- Advising clients regarding the statutory insurance schemes, with an emphasis on the Victorian Workcover Authority and Transport Accident Commission.
- Defending hospitals against claims for psychiatric and physical injury.