Meet the committee member: Mitali Zakaria
How long have you been involved with Resolution?
I have been a Resolution member for about 20 years.
What committees do you sit on?
I am co-chair of the EDI Committee.
How have you benefitted from being a member of Resolution?
It has provided an excellent network of family justice professionals who share a commitment to constructive, non-confrontational practice. Being part of Resolution has allowed me to contribute to wider and much-needed conversations about the future of family law, particularly through my work with the EDI Committee. It has been a privilege to work alongside people who are genuinely passionate about making Resolution more inclusive. It is a community of people who are committed to improving outcomes for families while continually striving to make both the profession and the organisation more inclusive for everyone. While we recognise there is still a long way to go, I have been encouraged by the commitment, openness and determination of many members, and the supportive Resolution staff who are willing to listen, learn and drive meaningful change.
Is there a Resolution resource not currently available that you would love to see?
As my main practice is representing families (in particular children) in public law children cases, I think a dedicated resource for family lawyers undertaking legal aid public law children work would be beneficial. This area of practice is fast-paced, complex and emotionally demanding for practitioners. A central hub bringing together practical guidance, updates on law, procedural developments and opportunities to share best practice would be invaluable.
Why did you choose family practice?
I chose family law because it is an area of practice where you can make a genuine difference to people’s lives, particularly those of children. As a children’s solicitor, I have the privilege of ensuring that their voices are heard and their welfare remains at the heart of decision-making. Family law is about far more than legal process. It is about helping to achieve outcomes that protect children, supporting families in order to make a lasting positive impact.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is accompanying children to meet the judges who will ultimately make decisions about their future. For many children, the court process can feel impersonal and intimidating. I have seen that meeting the judge helps them understand that there is a real person listening to their views. As their solicitor, it is incredibly rewarding to help facilitate that opportunity. It allows children to feel seen, heard and respected at what is often a very difficult time in their lives. Seeing a child leave that meeting feeling reassured, with a greater understanding of what is happening and why, is immensely fulfilling. It is a reminder that being a children’s solicitor is not just about representing a client’s legal interests, but about ensuring that children are treated with dignity, compassion and respect throughout proceedings.
What’s the one government policy you would like to see changed or introduced?
I am representing an incredibly brave mother in an ongoing legal challenge against the government, which is before the European Court of Human Rights. The case is now at the contentious phase and raises a significant human rights issue concerning the lack of statutory provision for the revocation of parental responsibility acquired by a married father under section 2 of the Children Act 1989. The application to the ECHR argues that this legal gap constitutes a violation of Article 8 and/or Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, as it fails to protect victims of domestic abuse and their children from ongoing parental control by abusive fathers. The case has the potential to set a legal precedent across Europe by addressing the fundamental question of whether a parent who poses a significant risk should have an automatic, unassailable right to parental responsibility.
How do you keep a good work/life balance and look after your wellbeing?
I have learnt that looking after my own wellbeing is essential if I am to give my clients the best possible support. While there are times when the job requires extra hours, I try to maintain some boundaries where I can, and make time to switch off. I am fortunate to have a very close family and spending time with them is one of the most important ways I maintain work-life balance. My two children – who are now 22 years old and 17 – keep me grounded, and being present for them is very important to me and I’m sure for them too. Watching them grow into young adults has been one of my greatest joys and has provided me with a valuable perspective.
I also have a wonderful group of close friends whose support, humour and friendship are invaluable. Whether catching up over a meal, going for a walk or simply taking time to talk, those relationships help me recharge and keep things in perspective. I believe having a strong support network both at work and at home is a vital part of looking after ourselves so that we can better support the families who rely on us.
What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in family practice?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn from those around you. Family practice is complex and even after more than 20 years, I am still learning from colleagues and every case I undertake. Seek out mentors, make the most of opportunities. Its ultimately about people, so while developing strong legal knowledge is essential, listening with empathy, communicating clearly and treating every client with dignity and respect are just as important.
If you were not a family solicitor, what would you be doing?
I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was about 12 years old! However, if I hadn’t become a family solicitor, I think I would have chosen a career working with children in some capacity.
What are you most proud of in your career?
One of the achievements that I am most proud of is setting up and developing ITN Solicitors’ Family Department. It has been incredibly rewarding to build a department with a firm whose values are rooted in social justice and ensuring access to justice for those who need it.
I have been fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team of dedicated lawyers who are deeply committed to their clients and to making a positive difference. Their expertise, compassion and shared sense of purpose have made building the department a genuinely collaborative achievement. It is the impact we have on the lives of our clients, together with the team we have built, that gives me the greatest sense of pride.
What can’t you live without?
Without a question, my family and friends. They are my greatest source of support and encouragement. Family law can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding, and having people around me who know me well, make me laugh and remind me of what really matters, brings balance to my life.
Mitali is a partner and head of the Children and Family Department at ITN Solicitors