Melanie Fayen - Solicitor

About Melanie Fayen

Career to date

"I first joined Gibson Sheat in April 2002, working as an Office Assistant in the Lower Hutt office. I left this position in February 2003 to go to university to study law.  During my studies I worked  part-time for Gibson Sheat in both the Wellington and Lower Hutt offices. I returned to Gibson Sheat's Wellington office full time as a Law Clerk in March 2008, then as a solicitor since admission in February 2009."

Melanie graduated from Victoria University in 2008 and commenced her role in Gibson Sheat's Wellington office litigation team.  Her discovery and research skills have been a valuable asset to the team. Melanie also has experience in debt recovery and takes sole responsibility within our litigation team for the recovery of unsecured debts for two of our major corporate clients.  Melanie handles considerable volumes of proceedings including summary judgments, bankruptcies and liquidations.

Professional associations and community groups

I am a member of Lower Hutt Amateur Athletics Club and Hutt Valley Harriers.

My approach to working with my clients

I make sure I have regular contact with clients, and keep them well informed, up to date with what is happening.

The most rewarding experience I've had at work

After a successful hearing, having the Judge refer to my submission in his judgement and find in favour of our client.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given

"The pain of regret is far worse and longer lasting than the pain of competition."

What stimulates me

Doing a job well and getting a good result for a client, as well as having a professional career.

On a personal level, I’m stimulated by training hard and seeing my hard work pay off.

What I enjoy outside of work

I have a passion for running, I compete in cross country over winter, and athletics in summer. I also love skiing, shopping and cooking.

If I wasn’t a lawyer I’d be…

An architect, because I was originally enrolled in architecture when leaving school as I enjoyed design from a young age.