Estate and Trust Litigation and Appellate Advocacy
Melissa Saunders B. Mus, J.D.
Melissa Saunders is a Partner at Tupman & Bloom LLP.
Melissa began her career as an associate at an international Bay Street law firm in Toronto prior to moving her practise to her hometown of St. John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador where she continued practice at a regional law firm. Melissa is called to the Bar in both Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador and now represents clients in both jurisdictions in estates, trusts and guardianship litigation.
Melissa represents clients on breach of trust claims, dependant support applications, will challenges, contested passings of accounts, as well as power of attorney and guardianship disputes. Melissa is trusted counsel to various institutional clients, including trust companies, government agencies, charities, as well as individuals (both beneficiaries and fiduciaries).
Melissa is an active member of the Canadian Bar Association and has been the section Chair of the Wills Estates and Trusts section (NL) since 2017. Melissa is a student member of STEP, a member of the Advocates’ Society as and a member of the Ontario Bar Association.
In 2019, Melissa was co-counsel on A.A. Re, 2-19 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.
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, having competed nationally and participated in a variety of music festivals across North America. 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