Melissa Saunders BMus, JD, TEP

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Melissa Saunders is a Partner at Tupman & Bloom LLP representing clients in both Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Melissa began her career as an associate at an international Bay Street law firm in Toronto prior to

moving her practise to her home of St. John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador where she continued

practice at a regional law 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 section Executive for 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. 

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. 

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.

Contact Information

Melissa can be reached by email at melissa@tupmanbloom.com  or by telephone at:  

Toronto: 647-955-8324

St. John's: 709- 351-1608