Professional Background

Melissa was born in Toronto, Ontario and from a very young age was determined to practice law.  She graduated Cum Laude with an Honours Degree in Criminology from the University of Ottawa in 1994 and earned her LL.B. from the University of Alberta in 1998.  She was called to the Alberta Bar in 1999.

She began her career articling and then practicing as a Corporate, Securities and Mergers and Acquisitions lawyer with an international law firm in Calgary, Alberta.  After many years in private practice, she moved in-house as Senior Legal Counsel with a multinational pipeline company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta.

Following the birth of her two children and her own martial breakdown, Melissa embarked on a second legal career in Family Law once her children reached their teenage years.  She re-entered the profession as a Senior Paralegal before transitioning to practice as an Associate.  Since then, she has gained broad exposure to Family Law, and to Indigenous Law where she was part of a team involved in the drafting of a Child Welfare statute and regulations.

Melissa helps clients resolve family law disputes through practical advice, skilled negotiation, and thoughtful advocacy. She advises clients on a broad range of matters, including property division, parenting arrangements, spousal support, and domestic contracts, including cohabitation and prenuptial agreements. Her business and financial acumen is particularly valuable for clients involved in disputes involving significant assets and complex financial issues.

The many years spent in private practice and in- house,  negotiating high-value, high-stakes business deals taught her how to identify common ground, manage competing interests, and find practical solutions.

Melissa is committed to resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, and other collaborative processes whenever possible, helping clients avoid the financial and emotional costs of unnecessary litigation. When court proceedings are necessary, she advocates confidently and strategically while remaining focused on achieving fair, practical outcomes.

Outside the office, Melissa enjoys travelling, attending concerts, and challenging herself to learn a new sport or activity each year. She is also an avid supporter of her children's athletic pursuits and has volunteered as a minor hockey assistant coach, helping lead her team to both Esso Minor Hockey Week and city championship titles.