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Melissa Hartley

She/HerAssociate
Dubai
About

Melissa Hartley is an experienced employment lawyer who advises multinational clients across the technology, consultancy, life sciences and hospitality sectors on the full employee life cycle. Her practice covers everything from drafting tailored employment contracts, policies, and onboarding frameworks, to advising on complex restructurings, transfers of employment, and exits. She has particular expertise in handling workplace investigations, disciplinary processes, terminations, and post-termination restrictions.

She also regularly advises on Emiratisation strategies, employee incentives, and compliance with UAE labour law, as well as DIFC and ADGM employment regulations. With cross-border experience and a practical, commercially focused approach, she partners with clients to navigate sensitive workforce issues and ensure alignment with local laws and business objectives.

Areas of FocusEmployment
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales

EXPERIENCE

  • Drafting a variety of employment documentation including employee handbooks, termination documents, dual employment arrangements and employment contracts.
  • Advising multinational companies in respect of complex global restructures.
  • Preparing due diligence reports and advising on both share sales and asset sales.
  • Advising on full spectrum of employment and immigration law issues in the UAE ranging from recruitment, employment transfers, pensions, disciplinary grievances, termination and post-termination restrictions.
  • Drafting and reviewing commission and bonus plans.
  • Advising on Emiratisation compliance and strategy in order to fulfil the client's requirements.
  • Conducting investigations, including interviews, drafting witness statements and preparing comprehensive investigation reports.
Languages
  • French
  • English
Education
  • BPP University, Legal Practice Course, 2019
  • BPP University, Graduate Diploma in Law, 2018
  • University of Exeter, BA (Hons), Anthropology and Sociology, 2017

Publications and media

  • Global Mobility Lawyer- Article on Qatar's labour reforms (2025)
  • International Employment Lawyer- Restructuring a Cross-Border Workforce (2025)

Seminars

  • DMCC Employment Webinars (2024)

Prior Experience

  • 2022-2025, Associate in Employment & Incentives, Regional Law Firm
  • 2021, Trainee Secondment at international law firm in Employment law in the UAE
  • 2019-2022, Paralegal and Trainee Solicitor at a French Law Firm in the UAE
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Connect

Phone

+97 144 386 283
(Work, Dubai)
+971 588 657 620
(Mobile)