Donnelly Clata Mazarello

I am a caseworker in the Family and Child Care department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors based in the City of London Office. I joined the firm in July 2023 and report directly to my supervising Solicitor, Marilyn Edwards.

My role as a caseworker primarily involves assisting my team with their day-to-day handling of family and child care cases. The tasks given to me are comprised of drafting statements, completing application forms, maintaining correspondence with clients and organising court bundles, to name a few.

Prior to my role as a caseworker, I had the opportunity to intern at Duncan Lewis Solicitors in the Child Care and Family Department in September 2022, which intrigued me to apply for the role of a caseworker. I was able to gain knowledge about PLOs, CAFCASS reports and conducted extensive legal research. Additionally, I have undertaken voluntary placements at SupportThroughCourt, a charity which helps vulnerable clients who are unrepresented in court and the Ealing Advice Service. The role at SupportThroughCourt helped me attain legal acumen and significant knowledge on C100s, drafting witness statements, liaising with clients, organising court bundles and attending court hearings. My legal placements have predominantly been in the Family and Child care departments of firms, alongside the Wills and Probates department. My recent legal work placement was at the HMCTS Magistrates Court in Reading, which helped me gain a sufficient understanding of court proceedings and hearings.

Academically I have completed my LLB Hons undergraduate degree at the University of West London with a first. I have always been intrigued to learn about family and child care and chose it as my final module in my third year of law school, which has extensively increased my knowledge of public and private law proceedings and I am hoping to continue developing my competence and understanding of family law through my role.

For the clients who are not fluent in speaking English, I would be able to assist fluently in Hindi and Konkani and have a native understanding of Urdu.

I am an avid reader, I play the ukulele and have a deep interest to learn new languages. I am currently taking Korean language lessons.

• LLB HONS - UNIVERSITY OF WEST LONDON (2023)