Melissa Crawford

Melissa Crawford is a Paralegal in the Education and Children’s Rights department and is based in our London office.

Professional Biography

Melissa graduated with First Class Honours in Law (LLB) from Queen Mary University of London in 2024. During her studies, she was actively involved in pro bono initiatives, gaining invaluable experience in supporting vulnerable individuals. As a Student Advisor at the University's Legal Advice Centre, Melissa provided free legal advice to members of the local community under the supervision of qualified Solicitors. She also volunteered at the Centre’s Domestic Abuse Form Filling Clinic, where she interviewed clients and prepared the necessary documentation to assist with non-molestation and occupation orders.

In addition to her academic commitments, Melissa worked part-time as a Case Administrator for the London Probation Service. In this role, she conducted safeguarding checks on service users and liaised with Children’s Social Services to identify and protect vulnerable children. This experience strengthened her passion for practising law in a way that centres on the needs and rights of children.

Since joining Simpson Millar, Melissa has been an integral member of the Education and Children’s Rights department. Her role involves assisting Solicitors with a wide variety of cases, focusing on ensuring children receive the educational support they are entitled to. She has contributed to judicial reviews, often challenging unlawful practices by Local Authorities and schools. Melissa’s experience includes working on cases involving unlawful exclusions and appeals for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs).

On a day-to-day basis, Melissa drafts legal documents such as letters and witness statements, reviews and prepares bundles, and liaises with clients and the Legal Aid Agency. She takes pride in supporting Solicitors in delivering justice and ensuring children’s rights are upheld.