Melissa Forshaw

Melissa Forshaw is a Legal Aid Assistant at Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors, supporting the firm's Crime and Family Team with Legal Aid. With a strong academic background in Law and practical experience within legal practice, Melissa plays an important role in supporting fee earners.

Having recently joined Bell Lamb & Joynson, Melissa brings with her a solid foundation in legal casework.

Education and Qualifications

Melissa completed her secondary education at Wirral Grammar School for Girls, where she achieved her GCSEs and A Levels. She went on to study law at Liverpool John Moores University, graduating with a First Class LLB Law degree.

She later completed the Legal Practice Course with an LLM at Liverpool John Moores University, achieving a Distinction. Her academic achievements reflect her strong understanding of legal principles and her dedication to the profession.

Professional Experience and Background

Before joining Bell Lamb & Joynson, Melissa worked as a Family Law Paralegal at MSB Solicitors. In this role, she gained valuable experience supporting fee earners with case management, legal documentation, and the day to day demands of running files.

Alongside her paralegal experience, Melissa has demonstrated a long standing commitment to the legal sector. During university, she volunteered at a legal advice clinic, supporting individuals seeking guidance on legal matters. She also volunteered as a Witness Service Volunteer at Liverpool Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court, where she supported vulnerable witnesses through court proceedings.

Earlier in her career, Melissa also worked as an examination invigilator for GCSE and A Level examinations, developing strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and professionalism.

Areas of Work

Melissa supports work across Crime and Family Legal Aid, assisting with case preparation, administration, and ensuring legal teams are supported efficiently.

Her previous experience in family law gives her a clear understanding of how cases are run and the pressures faced by fee earners, allowing her to provide practical and informed support within her role.

Skills and Approach

Melissa takes a practical, organised and proactive approach to her work. With experience of case progression and court processes, she understands the realities of legal practice and works collaboratively with colleagues to support effective outcomes.

Her background in volunteering has given her a strong awareness of the emotional and practical challenges faced by clients involved in criminal and family proceedings, reinforcing the importance of professionalism, care, and discretion.

Achievements and Interests

Melissa was invited back to Wirral Grammar School for Girls as a guest speaker, where she presented GCSE and A Level certificates and delivered a speech about her journey into law. This reflects her academic success and her passion for encouraging others considering a legal career.