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About Melrose Keys Lawyers

About

At Melrose Keys Lawyers, we truly care about the people we serve. With deep expertise, years of experience, and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Nestled in Brisbane’s West, we proudly provide trusted legal services across Queensland. We know that access to high-quality legal support shouldn’t come with intimidating costs.

That’s why we offer fair, transparent fees while delivering the same exceptional service and knowledge you’d expect from larger firms.

Helping people is at the heart of what we do. We believe in offering clear, honest advice and making the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.

We’re proud to serve Kenmore, Chapel Hill, Brookfield, Indooroopilly, Chelmer, Toowong, The Gap, Ashgrove, Upper Kedron, Mount Ommaney, and all surrounding Brisbane suburbs.

When you need guidance, we’re here—with expertise, integrity, and genuine care.

Our Team

Hayder Shkara

Director

Hayder has vast experience in family law, including financial and property settlements, divorce, custody matters, wills and estate, consent orders, and binding financial agreements. He is an excellent communicator and holds well before a Judge and Magistrate in legal proceedings. He is also great with clients, and able to build close connections with them.
 
Hayder leads the team at Melrose Keys and heads the Justice Network in Australia. He has a double degree from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws and Communication.
 
He is committed to his team, overlooking all the matters and providing detailed support to his staff and clients. He values hard work and dedication and will provide endless guidance to his team and clients.
 
When Hayder isn’t demonstrating his dedication to the firm, he is playing padel with friends or coaching sports on the weekends.

Eva Huang

Senior Solicitor

Eva is a dedicated and empathetic family lawyer, fluent in both English and Mandarin, with extensive experience across all areas of family law. She provides comprehensive legal advice and representation in matters including divorce, property settlement, parenting, child custody, domestic violence, financial agreements, and adoption.
 
Her bilingual proficiency enables her to assist clients from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, ensuring clear communication and empowering clients to make informed decisions about their legal matters.
 
Eva holds a Juris Doctor from Bond University, where she was awarded the prestigious Executive Dean’s Award.
 
Prior to her legal career, Eva worked as a registered nurse with Queensland Health, specialising in intensive care, emergency, and post-anaesthetic care. This foundation in healthcare has shaped her client-centred approach—marked by compassion, composure, and strong advocacy—which she applies to guide clients through emotionally complex legal situations with sensitivity and clarity.
 
Eva is known for her culturally responsive practice, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving practical, tailored outcomes for her clients. Outside of legal practice, she remains actively involved in the community by delivering educational workshops and providing pro bono legal support to Mandarin-speaking individuals in need.
 
With a unique blend of legal acumen, healthcare compassion, and cross-cultural insight, Eva is a trusted advocate for those navigating the challenges of family law.

Melissa Paet

Solicitor

Melissa is a lawyer who holds a Bachelor of Laws from Auckland University of Technology and is admitted under the High Court of New Zealand and the Supreme Court of Queensland.

Beginning her legal career as a legal secretary during university, she was immersed in Wills and Estates, and Family Law in New Zealand, where she developed a strong passion for both areas of law. Melissa is particularly passionate about Trans-Tasman practice, which motivated her move to Queensland to continue assisting clients across jurisdictions.

Melissa takes a client-focused approach, combining professionalism with compassion and understanding. Melissa works closely with clients to understand their unique needs and goals, providing practical and tailored advice to guide them through complex legal matters with confidence and clarity.

Outside of her legal career, Melissa loves exploring the beauty that Queensland has to offer and spending time with her dog, family, and friends.

Derek Chew

Associate

Admitted to legal practice in July 2012, Derek Chew is a general practitioner with a primary focus on Family Law as well as Wills and Estates matters. Derek has also over the course of his legal career acquired experience across a broad range of practice areas, including Business Law, Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, Immigration Law, Property Law, and Workplace Relations.

Derek migrated from Malaysia to Australia as a teenager and completed his Bachelor of Laws at Queensland University of Technology in 2011.  Because of his multicultural upbringing, he is fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Malay, and Indonesian.

Derek brings a compassionate and practical approach to his work, and places great importance on communicating complex legal concepts in accessible, layperson terms to clients. He recognises that the breakdown of a relationship and the post-separation process is often one of the most turbulent times in a person’s life. He has a strong interest in supporting clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and helping them confidently navigate the Australian legal system.

Outside of legal practice, Derek is a passionate foodie and former restaurateur, with a deep appreciation for the history of food cultures. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring emerging culinary hotspots, and broadening his language skills as an aspiring polyglot.

Tait Hutchinson

Associate

Tait graduated from Griffith University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and from the College of Law in 2025 with a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
 
With a strong and growing interest in family law, he is committed to assisting clients with professionalism, empathy, and clear communication, recognising that family law matters often involve sensitive and deeply personal circumstances.
 
In his role, Tait supports the team by preparing court documents, undertaking detailed legal research, and assisting with ongoing case management. He is dedicated to ensuring clients receive accurate, efficient, and well-informed guidance throughout their matters.
 
Outside of work, Tait enjoys exploring new places and experiences. He regularly visits local markets to engage with the community and discover local artisans, often accompanied by his dog. On weekends, he can be found at the beach, hiking, or relaxing with a good book.

Christine Fagan

Receptionist

With over 20 years of experience in the legal industry, Christine began her career in archiving and gradually progressed into specialising in Wills, estates, and the management of safe custody documents.
 
Her strong attention to detail and understanding of legal processes have been key assets throughout her career. She is currently the receptionist at Melrose Keys, where she enjoys being part of a close-knit team and contributing to a supportive, client-focused environment.
 
Christine enjoys horse riding through quiet trails, camping under the stars, and gardening. Quilting is her creative escape, where each stitch tells a story.
 
Most of all, Chris cherishes time spent with family—sharing laughs, making memories, and enjoying the little things together.

Take your claim on with confidence. We’re here to help.

Melrose Keys Lawyers is here to help you navigate your case, no matter how complex. Get started with Melrose Keys Lawyers. Book your consultation today.

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