Biography: Franchise

Melissa advises international and regional franchisors, distributors, hotel operators, developers and service providers on their operations in the United Arab Emirates. She specialises in all forms of strategic and operational franchise, agency and commercial law advice governing franchisor operations throughout the Middle East.

Melissa has solid experience in the drafting, execution and restructuring of commercial agreements, particularly those used in franchising, distribution and commercial agency. She also provides advice to master franchisees regarding their rights and obligations under relevant agreements, including where they may be in breach of their agreements.

With the support of Hadef & Partners' dispute resolution team and court advocates, Melissa assists international franchisors in disputes with their local master (or individual) franchisee.

In 2009, in conjunction with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Melissa presented at the 'Opening a Franchise in Dubai' conference. Melissa is published in various publications such as the IBA International Franchising Newsletter, the IBA IP and Entertainment Law Newsletter, Gulf News, Legal Week and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce Guide to Franchising booklet.

Melissa joined Hadef & Partners in 2006. She holds an LLB from the Queensland University of Technology, Australia and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance (Chartered Secretaries Australia). She is a member of Chartered Secretaries Australia (Australian division of ICSA) and is admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland.