Melissa Loucas
- Experience
Melissa qualified as a Solicitor in September 1997 having trained at an international law firm and joined Birketts in 2004. Melissa is a Partner and leads the Norwich Commercial Real Estate Team, being based in our Norwich office.
Melissa advises on the property portfolios for a number of national and international clients, including a global specialty provider of property and casualty insurance, an international measurement and data analytics company and a global leader in market technology. Melissa’s work involves acting for both landlords and tenants so she has experience with the key commercial and legal concerns for investors and occupiers. Melissa’s work ranges from asset management and high value leases to freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals.
Melissa has particular expertise in the motor sector and retail sector, having worked for national clients within these sectors since qualification. Melissa is head of our Retail Sector Group advising on the property portfolio for well-known brands and start-ups across the high street and prominent shopping centres. Her experience covers not only asset management but also re-gearing and store rationalisation, providing support and guidance in a competitive and often challenging industry.
Melissa works closely with our Corporate Team and Banking Team, advising on the property aspects of corporate acquisitions and disposals, refinancing and securitisation. Her funding experience includes working with both high street lenders and challenger banks.
Melissa is ranked by Chambers [UK 2024]. In this edition, a client notes “Melissa is strong on client relations as well as managing complex matters.” Another adds “Melissa provides comprehensive support to us and we have total trust in the advice and guidance she provides. She’s always very quick to respond with her findings and her comments are very easy to follow.” Melissa was also described as “an excellent solicitor and a great principal contact”.
Melissa is recommended and named as a ‘Hall of Fame’ member by Legal 500 [UK 2025].
Melissa recognises the importance of recruiting and retaining talent, with our graduate intake being a key part of Birketts’ strategy for the future. Melissa is involved in the recruitment of trainees through our summer vacation scheme and also the mentoring of our trainees during their two-year training programme.
Melissa is ranked by Chambers [UK 2024]. In this edition, a client notes “Melissa is strong on client relations as well as managing complex matters.” Another adds “Melissa provides comprehensive support to us and we have total trust in the advice and guidance she provides. She’s always very quick to respond with her findings and her comments are very easy to follow.” Melissa was also described as “an excellent solicitor and a great principal contact”.
Clients in an earlier edition said “she is very technical and does well for her clients.” Another client highlighted her “excellent communication and understanding of the law” as key strengths.
Melissa is recommended and named as a ‘Hall of Fame’ member by Legal 500 [UK 2024]. In this edition, a source notes “Melissa Loucas – exceptional client focus and client support over a varied tasks.”
Clients in an earlier edition say “Melissa Loucas is, without doubt, the most commercially focused and supportive property lawyer that I have had the pleasure of working with in my career. Whilst keeping me, and my companies, on the straight and narrow legally, all the deals that I have worked with Melissa on have been concluded satisfactorily at great value.” Another added “Melissa Loucas is the partner I deal with – she consistently went the extra mile to deal with various challenges we have had on our lease completion and I would have absolutely no issues in recommending her for her conscientiousness and diligence.”
Melissa recognises the importance of recruiting and retaining talent, with our graduate intake being a key part of Birketts’ strategy for the future. Melissa is involved in the recruitment of trainees through our summer vacation scheme and also the mentoring of our trainees during their two-year training programme.
Awards and Memberships
Services
Sectors
Melissa Loucas in particular is both a pleasure to deal with and an expert in her field. At all stages of the transaction nothing seemed like too much trouble and her guidance was invaluable.
Legal 500 [UK 2025]