Mello Jones & Martin yesterday announced that it is expanding its matrimonial and family law practice and appointing Leonie MacLoughlin as an associate attorney.

Prior to joining the firm, Ms MacLoughlin worked for the family law department of solicitors, Sheppersons, in the UK. Ms MacLoughlin specialises in all areas of family law and advises clients in relation to filing for divorce, drafting legal separation documents and obtaining the appropriate financial orders associated with the breakdown of a relationship.

The revitalised practice area, which includes associate attorney Venous Memari, will provide mediation for divorcing couples who wish to resolve all the matters associated with the breakdown of a relationship on an amicable basis.

Alan Dunch, a partner at Mello Jones & Martin, said: “Leonie’s empathetic manner and family law experience make her well-suited to this position. I am confident that she will provide guidance on divorce and custody issues in a comforting environment and I am delighted to welcome Leonie to the firm.”

Ms MacLoughlin obtained a BA (Hons) in Psychology from Loughborough University, England and went onto The College of Law Guildford, where she obtained the CPE and LPC enabling her to train as an attorney. Ms MacLoughlin qualified as a solicitor in England in 2002 after completing a two-year training contract with Legal 500 firm Ormerods in London. She is a member of the Law Society of England and Wales.