Bellavia & Associates adds to its legal team

PICTURE : The team at Bellavia & Associates outside the firm’s offices. From left; Max Bellavia, Zep Bellavia, Caroline Walker, Lydia Clements, Keira Mruk, Craig Shipp and Iain Cameron (one of our associates)

Newport law firm Bellavia & Associates has added two more staff to its growing team of solicitors.

Lydia Clements and Keira Mruk have been appointed as legal assistants by the firm run by Zep Bellavia, one of Wales’ most experienced lawyers.

The fast-growing firm celebrates its second anniversary next month, and Lydia and Keira bring the in-house team up to six at its offices on the outskirts of the city. The staff team is augmented by a group of expert associates.

Lydia, a graduate of Cardiff University who has worked for a barrister and a law firm, said: “The broad range of cases I’ll be dealing with was the main attraction for me. I’ll be dealing with all sectors of the law and that really excites me.”

Previously a coach at Glamorgan County Cricket Club, Lydia plays the sport for Wales. Her ambition is to focus eventually on family law.

Keira has a Masters degree in law and has worked at various South Wales law firms. She said: “The total focus here on the client’s needs and the attention that is paid to providing a high-quality service is second to none.”

A keen ‘foodie’, when she is not eating out or reading food blogs Keira can be found walking her English bulldog in the countryside. Professionally, she has a particular interest in personal injury and family matters.

Managing director Zep Bellavia said: “I am delighted to welcome Lydia and Keira to the business. We have continued to expand our client base during the Covid-19 crisis and the team is growing as a result. They will receive fantastic mentoring and training here.

“This remains a really difficult time for many of our clients but they can take comfort that we are expanding our team despite the pandemic restrictions, and providing all our services as usual thanks to our flexible working arrangements and investment in technology. We are also, of course, following all government guidelines and instructions.

“Our spacious rural offices are ideal for social distancing and mean we can still meet clients by appointment.

“It is important that our clients can be certain of us in uncertain times.”