Navigating family matters across international waters

Melissa was formerly a partner at Mishcon de Reya where she was head of the Anglo-French family law team and the French Group.

She specialises in separation, divorce, trusts, and jurisdictional disputes, including complex cases involving significant assets. These often also include children matters and prenuptial agreements.

As a dual French and English national who can also speak Italian, many of Melissa’s clients are high profile, international figures. She regularly works with lawyers on cases in France and Italy.

She’ll continue to develop her international network in London, utilising the firm’s city and international referral platforms to help attract new work and bring a wide range of legal services to French and Italian speaking businesses and individuals based in the UK.

Melissa said: “I’m so pleased to be joining such an established and collaborative team at Mills & Reeve, where there are great opportunities to grow the existing capabilities while enhancing our client offering by providing a wider, international platform. The family team is cohesive, dynamic and forward thinking. I believe that my experience and specialisation will contribute significantly to the team’s ambitions and upward trajectory.”

Joanna Grandfield, partner and head of family law in London at Mills & Reeve, said: “Melissa’s move marks a significant addition to our team. Her existing international practice and commitment to building on it provides Mills & Reeve with a fantastic opportunity to further develop the services we offer for clients seeking legal support across borders.”