“I am people centric, with a measured, easy yet detailed approach to problem solving. ”
Melissa Haskell
Describe your role and general skill set…
I am a Commercial Litigator/ Regulatory Law & Compliance specialist, working in enforcement and policy interpretation and implementation.
What do you enjoy about your job?
Despite the stereotype, being a lawyer is an inherently human profession. Of course I enjoy the challenge of advising, negotiating and guiding clients through complex situations and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of helping them reach the right outcome. But because every matter is different and with laws, industries and client needs constantly changing, the work keeps me connected to the individuals involved and that is what keeps me fully engaged. I also enjoy making it easier for my client to get on with their job and just enjoying life.
I have always believed there are 2-sides to every story and so getting the full picture from my client when dealing with a matter has always been my starting point.
What attracted you to the firm?
I enjoy the people and the idea of working a way which suits me.
Describe Carbon in a maximum of three words:
Collaborative , personable and enabling.
Where do you envisage the firm in 5 years’ time?
I believe Carbon will grow into more regions nationwide or internationally.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
Worked in a local greengrocer at the age of 15 – Learned the importance of having an early start to your day, you can get so much more done.
What have been the highlights of your career to date? (can be non-Carbon)
For over 10 years, I worked as a Solicitor Advocate in criminal and immigration practice before moving laterally into a local authority role, focusing on prosecutions, regulatory and licensing work, whilst specialising in the implementation of the Tenant Fees Act 2019 as Lead Enforcement Authority. While the experience broadened my perspective, I realised that an in-house role was not the right fit for me but that private practice and defence work were firmly part of my professional DNA. I happily returned to commercial practice, specialising in contentious, policy-led work and using my prosecution experience to support clients facing complex regulatory and disciplinary matters.
How do you unwind outside of work?
Where is your favourite place to visit?
What is your favourite Book, movie or TV Show?
In the Meantime by Iylana Vanzant is such a great read!
Favourite Music, Artist or Band?
My favourite artists are Jhene Aiko and Jill Scott.
If you could gain a new skill or superpower, what would you choose?
Do you have a bucket list place you’d love to visit?
It is my dream to visit the The Serengeti in Tanzania.
If you had a time machine, where would you go and why?
Cleopatra’s Egypt (Alexandria, ~50–30 BCE) Cleopatra’s reign would be unforgettable to see a woman of colour reign an entire empire at a time when women probably had no place in history – mind blowing I would have so many questions for her.
Tell us an interesting or little-known fact about yourself:
I was born in Trinidad and Tobago but my mother is Venezuelan and my father is Guyanese so really I am the essence of what it means to be Caribbean.
