Having qualified as a Barrister in 1984, Melanie practised at the Bar in London until 1994, specialising in family law.  Following a break to care for her children, she joined Buss Murton in 2002 as a consultant Barrister to the Family Department.  She represents clients at court hearings and advises on all areas of family law, particularly in financial cases involving businesses and other substantial assets.

Melanie is a founder member of the Kent and Sussex Collaborative Family Law Group (collaborative law being where the parties and their lawyers work together to find the most mutually-beneficial outcome), and she is one of the leading collaborative lawyers in the area. Her interests include walking and reading.