Melanie O’Neill

LLB Hons | MComLaw Hons

Melanie studied law at Canterbury University, obtaining a law degree with honours in 1990. Admitted to the Bar in 1991, Melanie worked for first tier national law firm Minter Ellison in Auckland in the early 1990’s, at the same time obtaining a master’s degree in commercial law with honours from Auckland University in 1993.

Melanie moved to the Waikato taking up a litigation position with Tompkins Wake. In 1998 Melanie became the second female to be offered partnership in the firm’s history at the age of 30. In 2000 Melanie left the partnership to become a Barrister sole, operating from Victoria Legal Chambers. Since then she has specialised in family and employment law. Her litigation experience includes appearances in the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal as well as the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court. Melanie is also experienced at representing clients in mediations and arbitrations. In 2001 Melanie developed a mediation practice. Passionate about the power of mediation, Melanie mediates disputes for parties on a regular basis. Melanie is an accredited panel member with RI, an accredited FDR provider and an assessor of mediators for RI. Melanie contracts to MBIE as an employment mediator and also operates her own private mediation practice.