Ex-Deacons, Minter Ellison Lawyer Melissa Hammett Makes Contact

Attractive. Intelligent. Successful. Funny. Endearing.

another excellent catch

These are but a few of the adjectives that we would use describe the delightful, yet surprisingly unlucky-in-love former Deacons/Minters lawyer Melissa Hammett.

We reported a few weeks ago that Hammett had taken the curious step of speaking out in media about the hell that is her reality: unable to find a decent fellow in the entire nation:

“What happens is that you go out on more dates, but less frequently with people you’re genuinely attracted to.  First dates used to really mean something – there was a real connection – whereas now, they’re more like a job interview… The best romances are when you’re with a guy who’s exactly like a friend, but who you want to be with romantically.”

We initially didn’t buy it. Heck, Mel strikes us as a good catch! So we asked her to get in touch with us. Melissa took the bait and wrote us the following email:

Dear Firm Spy

Thank you for your kind offer to help me pull an eligible bloke (24 November 2009).

Having said that, do you really think it’s wise to set lawyers up with other lawyers? The perils of intra-profession dating are well documented.

First, there’s the gossip. (Yes, your secretary really does read your emails. And forward them on.)

Second, as Spencer Tracy once said: ‘Lawyers should never marry other lawyers. This is called in-breeding; from this comes idiot children…and other lawyers’.

More disturbingly, there’s always a high risk that an otherwise eligible date will vote himself off the island by seeking to discuss legal theory, budgets or (even worse) the subtle distinctions between top tier/second tier/ mid tier/ boutique firms.

On the other hand, I have noticed (and being an alleged ’serial dater’ – 24 November 2009 – feel well qualified to comment) that the words ‘I’m a lawyer’ tend to provoke horror (and occasional abuse) from  prospective beau.

I seek your counsel. Should lawyers date other lawyers? (It worked for Barack and Michelle, I suppose). Or should it be outlawed? Perhaps your readers have a view on this important topic.

And finally, for the record, yes, I do like pina coladas.

Kind regards

Mel Hammett.

I had the pleasure of spending a memorable few days in the company if Mel Hammett on a national Minter Ellison Construction Group junket to Queensland a few years back. She caught my eye even then, but as I look now at the photo you linked to, it appears that the years have been incredibly kind to her. I am now married and off the market, but think that Mel would make an excellent catch.