Melissa graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2005 with a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as a Diploma of Legal Practice. In 2006 Melissa completed a Graduate Diploma in Law at the University of Sydney and is currently undertaking her Masters of Applied Law (Family Law).
Melissa has worked for a large accounting firm in Sydney focusing on taxation law, which gives her particular expertise in dealing with the taxation issues that often arise in family law property settlements. Melissa commenced working for a boutique family law firm in Sydney in 2006, after which she moved to Tamworth where she worked for a large regional law firm. She practised primarily in family law, as well as criminal law (including domestic violence matters), commercial law and wills and estates.
In 2011 Melissa moved to Melbourne where she joined Forte Family Lawyers and has worked exclusively in family law since that time.
Melissa is admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia. She is a member of the Family Law Sections of the Law Institute of Victoria and Law Council of Australia, as well as being a member of Victorian Women Lawyers.