Melanie McKean

Melanie's practice focuses on dispute resolution, litigation, public law, investigations and large reviews.

Melanie advises government, commercial and private sector clients on a wide range of topics and she represents her clients in civil, administrative and commercial claims. Melanie has more than 25 years' experience as a lawyer in Canberra and she has acted for many different Commonwealth agencies and corporate clients during this period.

Melanie's clients value her legal skills, her ability to identify and manage risk, and her commitment to finding effective solutions to complex disputes.

In litigation and inquiries for the Commonwealth Government, Melanie represents her clients in civil claims, including intentional tort, negligent misstatement, personal injury, government action, class action and vexatious litigant claims. Melanie advises Commonwealth agencies on CDDA and AOG discretionary claims. Melanie acts for Commonwealth clients in significant public inquiries, coronial inquiries and Royal Commissions. Melanie understands the policy and administrative context in which disputes involving the Commonwealth can arise and which govern how they must be resolved. She has experience leading teams in the conduct of sensitive, high-profile, complex and multi-party matters.

In commercial disputes for the Commonwealth Government, Melanie advises Commonwealth agencies on early management of emerging disputes and resolution of entrenched disputes through negotiation in a manner consistent with contractual provisions, Commonwealth financial frameworks and the Legal Services Directions. Melanie supports clients to negotiate the resolution of disputes and prepares settlement documentation to record complex settlement arrangements. Melanie also acts for Commonwealth agencies in litigation of commercial disputes.

In administrative law work for the Commonwealth Government, Melanie advises and represents Commonwealth agencies in matters involving statutory interpretation, legislative review, financial frameworks, merits review and judicial review. Melanie assists Commonwealth clients to make sound administrative decisions relating to complex and high-profile initiatives.

In investigations work for the Commonwealth Government, Melanie has conducted major investigations and reviews, including large investigations for the Minister for Defence and for CSIRO. Melanie conducts investigations for agencies under the Public Interest Disclosure Act and the Public Service Act (APS Code of Conduct matters). She also advises clients in relation to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Melanie also acts for private, corporate and insurance clients. Her experience includes commercial, tort and construction claims. Melanie also assists corporate and individual clients with employer sponsored and business migration to Australia.

Melanie has been recognised, in each year since 2013, in Best Lawyers® in the categories of public law, alternative dispute resolution, government practice, insurance law and litigation. In 2022 and 2025, Melanie was named by Best Lawyers as 'Lawyer of the Year' for Public Law in Canberra.