A Career Built on Precision & Discretion

Qualified as a barrister in 1991 and transferring to solicitor in 1997, I have specialised exclusively in family law services for more than two decades. As Head of Family Law at a Legal 500 firm in London, I managed teams across two offices and represented clients in some of the UK’s highest courts.

In 2000, I founded Townsend Family Law in Essex, building a reputation for handling high-value, complex cases with exceptional skill. My work has included representing high-profile individuals — from PLC directors to well-known actors and sports professionals — and managing complex matters involving multimillion-pound assets, trusts, property portfolios, and complicated business structures.

What sets my approach apart is a commitment to bespoke representation. I never take on more than 20 clients at a time, ensuring a tailored, proactive strategy for every case. Contact Melanie Townsend to discuss your situation in confidence.

Notable Case

In S (Financial Provision – Application of Standish and the issue of costs), I successfully ring-fenced a client’s family-origin assets, secured 75% of her legal costs (£109,500), and applied Standish principles to protect her position.

Now based in the Ribble Valley, I continue to serve clients across the North West, London and Essex.