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Maria Poleo, Duncan Lewis

Maria Poleo

Solicitor

Contact Information

Profile / Experience

I am a Solicitor in the Public Law department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors. I am based in the firm's Birmingham office and currently work under the direct supervision of Public Law and Immigration Solicitor and Director, Darren Middleton.

I began my legal career in the United States of America, providing support in humanitarian immigration cases that included victims of human trafficking and victims of domestic violence. I have since been practicing immigration and public law in the UK. I joined Duncan Lewis in September 2018. While at Duncan Lewis, I have gained experience in protection claims; including asylum, human rights and modern slavery claims also having conduct of appeal matters regarding negative decisions in international protection claims. I have also had the opportunity to assist on judicial review matters challenging unlawful detentions, as well as challenging decisions of the SSHD as unlawful and false imprisonment claims.

My previous legal experiences and my current caseworker position have provided me with extensive knowledge in immigration and public law matters, and have reinforced my strong commitment to legal aid and providing access to justice.

Living in five different countries has given me a unique set of skills, including great adaptability, and it has encouraged me to cultivate cultural awareness. I have gained valuable experience working with diverse clients.

I speak Spanish.



Education

  • LLM in Legal Practice – University of Law, Birmingham, UK
  • LPC – University of Law, Birmingham, UK
  • GDL – University of Law, Birmingham, UK
  • Peace and Conflict Resolution Honours Programme – Haifa University, Israel
  • Minor in Communications and Cultures – Clark University, Massachusetts, USA
  • BA Political Sciences – Clark University, Massachusetts, USA

Career

  • Duncan Lewis Solicitors: September 2018 - present
  • Freedom Solicitors, Birmingham, UK: Paralegal
  • Ascentria Care Alliance, Massachusetts, US: Paralegal
  • Refugee Action, CARE Project: volunteering
  • Birmingham Employment Rights Advice Line (BERAL): volunteering
  • National Centre for Domestic Violence: volunteering

Interests

  • Running
  • Travelling
  • Dancing
  • Fashion illustration
  • Collecting books
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