Profile:
Melanie Andrews read Politics and Philosophy at York University. After graduating in 1999 she spent time in New Zealand working for the Industrial Relations Department in Auckland which was primarily a public advisory body in relation to employment rights, but also encompassed investigation work into illegal ‘sweat shops’. After returning to the UK she worked in the banking industry for a number of years before retraining as a barrister. She gained a distinction in her conversion course, finishing in the top 5% of her year and went on to complete her Bar Vocational Course, where she gained the highest mark in the country in relation to Alternative Dispute Resolution.

After being called to the Bar in 2005 Melanie worked as an Advocate for a national solicitors firm, regularly appearing in the County Courts in a variety of applications, infant settlements, small claims and detailed costs assessments, as well as writing advices in relation to personal injury claims (quantum and liability) and general contractual disputes. She joined Becket Chambers as a pupil in September 2006 and was given tenancy on completion of her pupillage in October 2007.

Melanie practices in a broad range of work in family, civil and crime. Her family work includes ancillary relief, public and private law children, injunctions and claims under TOLATA 1996. She has a general civil practice which includes tort and contract, landlord and tenant, insolvency, employment, personal injury work and costs. She prosecutes and defends all types of cases in the Magistrates Court. She regularly acts in claims involving road traffic accidents and contractual disputes.

In her spare time Melanie is involved with Middle Temple Revels which puts on an annual sketch and song show. She has travelled extensively and also enjoys reading, the theatre and sky diving.