Melissa Hughes

Melissa is a Solicitor at Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors, supporting individuals and families across a wide range of Private Client matters. With over a decade of experience in the legal industry and five years specialising in Private Client work, Melissa provides thoughtful, empathetic and reliable support to clients at every stage of their matter.

She joined Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors in October 2024 and is a valued member of the Private Client team, particularly recognised for her work on complex estates and her supportive approach with vulnerable clients.

Education and Qualifications

Melissa studied law at Edge Hill University, where she completed her LLB. She went on to complete her LLM and Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School.

Her qualifications provide a strong academic and practical foundation in Private Client law, supporting her work on complex estate and succession matters.

Professional Experience and Background

Melissa has worked in the legal industry for 12 years, with five years of experience dedicated to Private Client law. Prior to joining Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors, she worked at Scott Rees from 2013 to 2023, before moving to GW Legal from 2023 to 2024.

This experience has given her a broad understanding of legal practice and a strong grounding in advising clients on sensitive and complex matters.

Areas of Work

Melissa regularly advises on Wills, Lasting powers of Attorney, Trusts, Probate, and Estate Administration. She supports matters from initial instruction through to completion, ensuring work is handled carefully and efficiently.

She has significant experience dealing with complex and taxable estates, as well as estate planning matters requiring a high level of technical detail.

Notable Work

Melissa is particularly known for her experience with complex estate planning and high value, taxable estates. She is also highly experienced in supporting sensitive and vulnerable clients, adapting her approach to suit individual needs and circumstances.

She is attentive to detail and ensures matters are managed with care and professionalism.

Approach and Client Care

Melissa is approachable and friendly in her approach to client care. She is empathetic and offers support where needed, taking time to understand each client’s individual circumstances.

She is also adaptable in how she communicates, recognising that some clients may require alternative methods of contact. For example, she supports clients who prefer telephone based communication rather than email, ensuring each client’s needs are met in a way that makes them feel comfortable and supported.

Awards and Recognition

Melissa has been part of teams recognised for outstanding client care, including Private Client Team awards for Wills and Probate (16+ Solicitors) in 2025, reflecting the team’s commitment to high quality service and client experience.

Outside of Work

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending quality time with her family, taking holidays and trips around the UK, and relaxing by binge watching a good crime drama.