Children and family law specialist, Melanie Bridgen, has taken home the top title of Solicitor of the Year at the Derby and District Law Society Legal Awards.
Melanie, Partner in our Family Law team, was recognised for her legal expertise in working with high-profile individuals in groundbreaking cases that have influenced policy in family proceedings.
Melanie has represented clients with complex issues both in the UK and abroad and has a number of reported cases to her name on a range of issues including jurisdiction, recusal, publication, domestic abuse, payment of contact costs, contact with an abuser, child abduction and amplification. Melanie has supported a wide range of clients including her representation of Kate Kniveton MP in her ground-breaking case of domestic abuse and transparency in family proceedings.
As a Resolution-accredited specialist, a member of the Law Society Children Panel and a professional recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, Melanie has established an excellent reputation throughout the region for the specialist work she undertakes.
Celebrating her win, Melanie said:
“It’s such an honour to be recognised and to win this award. I have always worked to go above and beyond for my clients, and I am truly passionate about family law.
“I believe in doing my part to bring about positive change in the world of family law and welcome recent developments towards greater transparency in family proceedings and to provide safeguards and protections for the victims of abuse. I like to think that this personal investment in my work was a consideration for this judging panel.”
Our CEO, Stewart Vandermark, added:
“Melanie is known for her tenacious approach to complex cases and her commitment to clients which includes going the extra mile for them. She is regularly referred work by other family lawyers due to her specialist knowledge of cases, particularly those with an international element.
“She is a strong ambassador for change and speaks out in support of greater protection for the victims of abuse and transparency in the family court system and I want to congratulate her on receiving this well-deserved award.”