Ms Melissa Harrison > Chambers of Mark Twomey KC and Alison Easton > London, England > Barrister Profile

Ms Melissa Harrison

020 7092 3700 melissa.harrison@coramchambers.co.uk

Work Department

Adult & Social Care; Alternative Families; Children; Court of Protection; Genetics; International

Position

Melissa is a family law specialist, highly experienced in all areas of child and family law. She is regularly instructed by parents, guardians and local authorities in public and private law children cases. Her areas of expertise include public and private law applications under the Children Act 1989; securing injunctive relief under the Family Law Act 1996 and; applications under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.

Melissa has a developing practice relating to the Court of Protection allowing her to draw on her extensive experience in public law Children Act matters. This practice includes overlapping jurisdictions of the of the Court of Protection and the Children Act 1989; personal welfare applications; section 21A applications challenging authorisations under DOLS; contested applications for the appointment of deputies (welfare/financial affairs) and emergency applications.

Melissa has considerable experience in working with cases involving domestic violence. She is noted by instructing solicitors as having a professional and personable approach. Her commitment to client care ensures that professional and lay clients alike are provided with support, advice and attention at every stage of the case. She has a meticulous and rigorous approach to preparation in every case resulting in all clients receiving a consistently high level of service and representation. She is highly skilled at handling sensitive cases, particularly when dealing with vulnerable clients, including those with learning difficulties, mental illness, addictions, personality disorders and those for whom English is not their first language.

Career

Qualified 2009, prior to practising at the Bar, Melissa worked as a fee earner for a leading London based family law firm. She became Co-Head of the Domestic Violence Department and gained invaluable expertise in working with vulnerable clients in emergency situations.

Respected for her meticulous yet personable approach, Melissa has a strong commitment to client care and ensures that clients are provided with support, advice and guidance at every stage of their case.

Languages

French.

Memberships

Family Law Bar Association
Association of Lawyers for Children
Gray’s Inn

Education

BPP Law School – Bar Vocational Course
BPP Law School – Graduate Diploma in Law
Universite de Paul Valery III – Montpellier, France
University of Reading – French and International Relations BA with Hons