Areas of Expertise
About Melanie
Melanie specialises in the defence of actions against the police and social services departments.
Melanie defends public liability and employers' liability for police forces and has been involved in a number of high profile cases representing clients in the County Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and the former House of Lords. Melanie deals with claims for wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution and misfeasance, Human Rights Act breaches and accidents in the workplace as well as motor claims and is regularly recognised as a leading figure in the Legal 500.
Melanie also deals with complex claims against social services departments for alleged failure to protect children from abuse and neglect and Human Rights Act challenges.
Melanie represents insurers in more complex litigation and has experience of dealing with claims in respect of care homes, deprivation of liberty and personal injury claims relating to the provision of care.
Legal Commendations
"‘Melanie Standley is particularly skilled in handling very sensitive sexual and physical abuse social services claims."
Legal 500, 2025
“Melanie Standley ‘delivers confident advice on complex matters’, including in the defence of claims against social services for alleged failure to protect children from abuse and neglect."
Legal 500, 2024
​
"Exceptional.”
Legal 500, 2023​
Notable Cases
Howarth v Chief Constable of Gwent Police EWHC 2836 QB) [2011]: the subjective and objective tests in cases of malicious prosecution
​​
Robert Edward Seal v Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2007] UKHL 32, House of Lords and ECHR 50330/07: whether a failure to obtain leave under s139(2) Mental Health Act 1983 renders subsequent proceedings a nullity
​
Michael O'Brien v Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2005] 2 AC 534, House of Lords: similar fact evidence in civil proceedings
​
Janet Leach v Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary [1999] 1 WLR 1421, Court of Appeal: whether a duty of care was owed by the police to an appropriate adult in a notorious multiple murder investigation
​
Mark Anthony Sacco v Chief Constable of South Wales Constabulary and others [1998] EWCA Civ 843, Court of Appeal: extent of the duty of care owed in the transportation of detained persons