Melanie has worked at Roach Corporate Law for 3 years now and only recently took over the firm as sole director.

She grew up in the south, went to school in the south and her family still lives in the southern area, so it has been a part of her life since she was born.

Having previously worked in the city in mid-size and large Adelaide firms, until she decided on a sea change. Melanie says growing up south has really helped her in my role as there is a real sense of community in the Fleurieu and many people she comes across are old school friends or teachers ! Melanie says "It was just like coming home for me".

You are the Director of Roach Corporate Law. How did you get involved and what is the passion behind Roach Corporate Law?

I was employed by Daniel Roach, the founder of the firm, 3 years ago and it is his passion and drive that continues within the team (Daniel sadly passed away in March 2021). One thing Daniel was very passionate about was the community and giving back to the community. That is also a passion of mine and of all of the RCL team. We strive to give the best legal advice we can but above all we care about our clients. That care and compassion we have for our clients is what I believe sets us apart from the others.

What does a day in the life of Corporate Law look like?

Hectic and chaotic ! It is very busy – I head up the commercial litigation side of the firm so I am often in Court whilst Alice our senior lawyer takes on the bulk of our commercial/transactional work.

We also spend a lot of our time networking, marketing and catching up with clients – this is also an important part of our role.

Has South Australia / Fleurieu always been home to you? If not, how did you end up here?

As you have already mentioned, I grew up south so it is in my blood. I did live in Melbourne and then Brisbane in my twenties and was away from SA for around 5 years but South Australia is definitely home for me and we have the best State, we are so very lucky and I am proud to be a South Australian and live in this wonderful place. When I lived away in the other states, they never felt like home for me – Adelaide is where my heart is.

What is it that makes you proud of the place you live and work?

I am proud of where I work and live because not only is it just beautiful and picturesque but there is a real sense of community and comradeship in the Fleurieu. We are so lucky and I feel blessed to have so many wonderful places, cafes, wineries, restaurants, markets, beaches, right on our very door step.

On a more personal note, tell us a little about Melanie and what you love to do out of work.

I am a single mother of a 5 year old little boy. He is my life as well as my two dogs outside of work. That keeps me busy enough ! We like to go to the beach, go to parks and shows when we can and spend time with family and friends.

What is something many locals/work colleagues would not know about you (that you are willing to share!)

I am a member of the Passenger Transport Standards Committee, which sits twice a week (I am rostered on each fortnight). I became a member last year and it has been a wonderful experience – dealing with many things such as new applications for small and large passenger transport vehicles, disciplining of current drivers of taxis, UBER etc pending the circumstances and various other cases involving drivers and operators of small and large passenger transport vehicles.

I am also a member of the Animal Justice Party - having a real love and passion for animals and a desire to protect them.

When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…

I love my morning drives into work – the views, the nature and the beauty – perfect way to start and end the day.

My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: 

There is just so much to see and do – so many beautiful and wonderful places to visit. Take your time – explore and enjoy !

Find Roach Corporate Law on the Fleurieu App HERE