Melissa Saunders
Lawyer
Melissa is called to the bar in Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario and has spent her career practicing exclusively in the area of estates, trust and guardianship law. She began her career at an international Bay Street law firm in Toronto before relocating her practice home to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Before founding Saunders Collins & Loeb Law, Melissa worked as an associate as a regional firm and as a partner at an estates and trusts boutique firm.
Melissa represents clients on breach of trust claims, dependant support applications, will challenges, contested passings of accounts, as well as contested power of attorney and guardianship disputes.
Melissa is trusted counsel to various institutional clients, including trust companies, government agencies, charities, as well as individuals. Melissa also has expertise in health law, including mental health law and consent and capacity issues.
Melissa is an active member of the Canadian Bar Association where she sits on the national executive of the Wills, Estates and Trusts section. She is also the Chair of the section for Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2022 Melissa earned her TEP designation and is on the board of STEP Atlantic. She is a member of the Ontario Bar Association as well as the Advocates Society. She regularly presents on topics related to estates, trusts and guardianship in the province and outside.
In 2019, Melissa was co-counsel on A.A. Re, 2019 NLCA 7 before the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal. This important decision deals with the legislative gap which exists in the province in respect of guardianship of the person. A.A. Re is now the leading case on guardianship of the person in Newfoundland and Labrador. Since AA, Melissa has been involved in advocacy work in the province related to guardianship and the protection of vulnerable persons, including older adults and persons with capacity issues.
Melissa has experience before the Ontario Superior Court, the Federal Court of Canada, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Court of Appeal of Newfoundland and Labrador. Melissa has been appointed as Amicus Curiae or “friend of the Court” by the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Outside of her practice, Melissa is actively involved in her community, sitting on various Boards, including Business and Arts Newfoundland and Labrador and the Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival.
Prior to her legal career, Melissa was an accomplished classical pianist. In her spare time, you can find Melissa at the piano, often sharing her love of classical music with her young son.
New clients should use our consultation form or contact:
Unsolicited communications are not confidential and will not form a solicitor-client relationship.
Our Practice
Estates and trusts, real estate, capacity issues, private disputes, corporate and commercial matters, and public and regulatory law in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Learn more about our areas of expertise and how we can assist you.
Reach Out to Us
The best way for new clients to contact us is to fill out a Consultation Form and schedule a free consultation.
Contact
If you do not want to fill out the Consultation Form, please contact us at:
New clients should not contact our lawyers directly. Unsolicited communications are not confidential and will not form a solicitor-client relationship.
Office Hours
Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm