Melanie Blake

Melanie is a construction disputes specialist with extensive experience in adjudication and the pre-action stages of litigation. She acts mainly for local authorities in formal dispute resolution proceedings on a broad range of matters, and has a strong track record of success. The disputes she works on span a range of matters, including defective workmanship; defective design; payment disputes; loss and expense; delays and damages. Melanie also advises clients on the possibility of commercial settlement before formal proceedings are commenced, with an emphasis on giving pragmatic advice to help the client settle the dispute in a cost-effective and efficient way.

Melanie has acted for local government clients in PFI disputes, both in adjudication and during the pre-action stages of a dispute. She has advised on projects relating to the health, social care, education, waste management and highways sectors. Most recently she has been an ongoing source of advice for a local government client in dispute with a contractor over a range of issues including fire stopping defects and unitary charge payments. Melanie has also advised clients on preparing for PFI handback.

Melanie also works on non-contentious matters. She is familiar with and regularly advises on standard form construction contracts such as the JCT and NEC, as well as bespoke forms of contract. She has experience in the negotiation, drafting and completion of contracts relating to schools, care homes and social housing.

What skills or behaviours make you good at your role?

Melanie understands the importance of listening to clients’ needs and aims, and shapes advice appropriately in order to achieve their desired results.  She takes the time to learn and understand the history of any new case as well as the relationships between parties, this is key to giving helpful, pragmatic advice and all-round high-quality client service.