Melanie Begalka

Associate Counsel

Melanie Begalka is a criminal defence and child protection lawyer. She successfully defends clients facing a wide range of charges, from driving prohibitions, Fisheries and Wildlife Act offences to sexual assault and violent crime. She also represents parents in investigations and proceedings with the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Melanie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia in 2014 and obtained her law degree at Peter A. Allard School of Law (UBC) in 2018. Prior to joining Pender Litigation, Melanie articled and practiced criminal defence at a highly regarded litigation firm in Vancouver. Her work included working with senior counsel on complex civil forfeiture, drug, homicide, and extradition cases.

Melanie has also worked with the BC First Nations Justice Council representing Indigenous people all over the province in criminal and child protection proceedings. She continues to practice regularly in Northern BC and understands very well the unique challenges in Northern communities.

During law school, Melanie worked with Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) to create a free legal clinic assisting clients with obtaining government identification. She continues to supervise law students annually with PBSC. She has worked and volunteered with organizations working on prison justice, drug policy and homelessness.

Melanie’s legal practice is grounded in a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach. She has many years of experience working in frontline harm reduction work in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. She currently sits on the board of the Zero Block Society.

Awards and Achievements

  • Law Foundation of British Columbia Public Interest Award - for outstanding commitment to legal work in the public interest (2017)

  • Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia Kenneth S. Fawcus Memorial Prize - for high achievement in civil litigation (2017)

  • Auriol Gurner Young Memorial Award in Law - for contribution to feminism in law (2016)

  • Canadian Bar Association Entrance Scholarship - for community service (2015)

  • UBC President’s Entrance Scholarship (2009)

Professional Associations

 

Contact Melanie Begalka
604-669-6699
mrb@penderlitigation.com