Melissa Shorter

Melissa Shorter serves as a Director with notable expertise and dedication to family law, having been admitted to practice in 2005. Her journey in legal practice has been marked by a focus on family law, culminating in her qualification as an Independent Children's Lawyer in 2009. Melissa's educational pursuits include a Master of Law (Applied Law) with a special focus on Family Law, and she is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, enhancing her understanding of business matters. With over 17 years of legal experience, Melissa is well-equipped to provide comprehensive advice and advocacy in family matters. Her personal experiences in raising a blended family, alongside the unique challenges of being a Defence spouse, provide her with profound insight into the complexities of separation and its impact on families. Her peers have acknowledged her capabilities in the Doyles Guide, recognising her as a leader in Parenting, Custody & Children's Matters Lawyers in South Australia from 2019 to 2022. This recognition highlights Melissa's proficiency in navigating complex parenting and child custody disputes, including those involving family violence and abuse. Melissa's career trajectory includes roles as a Partner and Senior Associate at DBH Lawyers, fortifying her leadership and legal advocacy skills. Her prior positions at the Legal Services Commission of South Australia and Legal Aid NSW allowed her to hone her commitment to access to justice. Melissa's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Laws from James Cook University and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law. Her extensive practice and academic accomplishments make her a trusted adviser and advocate for her clients, striving to achieve the best possible outcomes in challenging family law cases.