Melissa McLeod

Biography

Admitted to practice in 2012, Melissa S McLeod, worked for 8 years in one of Jamaica’s leading firms in the area of complex commercial litigation, and has gained experience in civil litigation having appeared in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Privy Council. She first appeared before the Board of the Privy Council when she was just 2 years and 1 month at the Bar.

Melissa is currently a member of the Jamaican Bar Association where she serves on the Bar Council, and is a member of the Association's Industrial Relations and Labour Law, and the Civil Practice and Procedure Sub-Committees. She also previously served as the Chairperson of the Social Affairs and Outreach Sub-Committee, which plans the Bar Association’s Annual Banquet (among other events). Melissa also serves as tutor of Real Property Law at the Faculty at Law, Mona Campus and lectured in Contract Law and Land Administration at the Justice Training Institute. She is currently a director of Placement & Business Services Limited.

Melissa has a passion for volunteerism and is a mentor for youths in correctional facilities through the We Transform Programme of the Ministry of National Security, a role in which she has received commendations from the Ministry.

Her hobbies include watching football (although she cannot play well) and travelling (including “staycations” exploring the beauty of Jamaica).

Educational background

• Post Graduate Diploma in Corporate Governance, Jamaica Stock Exchange E-Campus, 2021
• Legal Education Certificate, Norman Manley Law School, 2012
• Bachelor of Laws Degree (Hons), University of the West Indies -Cavehill, 2010
• Bachelors of Science Degree in Political Science (Major) Public Sector Management and Criminology (Double Minor) (Hons), University of the West Indies -Mona, 2008

Professional Skills

Career & Experience

• Melissa has over a decade of experience primarily in complex commercial/civil litigation in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Privy Council. Melissa has also engaged successfully in alternative dispute resolution on behalf of clients including mediations.
• She has acted in matters relating to various areas including Telecommunications, Restraint of Trade/Employment Law, Breach of Contract, Insolvency, Minority Shareholder/Directors disputes, Company Law, Restrictive Covenants and Easements, Commercial Leases, Constitutional Law, Judicial Review and Banking Law.