Ana Ziebarth, a recent Wesleyan University graduate with a background in psychology and English, didn’t always know she wanted to pursue law. But everything changed during her senior year when she enrolled in a class called Psychology and the Law.
“That class really opened my eyes to the intersection of psychology and the legal system,” Ana explains. “I became very interested in the possibilities within law.”
Eager to learn more before committing to law school, she interviewed with Jonathan Wolfe, Co-Managing Partner at Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C. He invited her to join the firm as a law clerk.
“I could tell right away that Ana’s curiosity and enthusiasm would make her a great addition to our team,” said Jonathan. “We are always looking for ways to nurture bright new talent, and in turn we appreciate fresh perspectives.”
Supporting Family Law Attorneys
Ana primarily supports attorneys in the matrimonial department, assisting with a wide array of casework, including legal research, discovery organization, exhibit preparation, and memo drafting. Many of the firm’s cases involve complex issues arising from ultra-high-net-worth divorce proceedings, which have given Ana a unique view into the intricacies of financial and custodial matters.
“I didn’t expect the sheer volume of evidence involved—bank statements, investment records, multiple properties,” she admits. “The amount of documentation required is kind of staggering.”
She acknowledges that legal research can be challenging—especially when no clear precedent exists. In those situations, she presents the best available approximations and discusses their applicability with the attorneys.
Using a combination of online resources and tools, she is able to conduct in-depth research and narrow down relevant case law by jurisdiction. She also gets to sit in on court proceedings, many of which are conducted virtually.
Lessons Beyond the Law
While Ana has enjoyed learning about legal processes and sharpening her research skills, some of her biggest takeaways have been less about statutes and more about people.
“I’ve been surprised by the level of professionalism and sensitivity it takes to work in family law,” she says. “You’re dealing with people at some of the hardest moments in their lives. The lawyers here have to be incredibly patient—even when clients are understandably frustrated. Balancing that with advocating for their best interests is a skill I really admire.”
After just a few months of clerking, Ana has already decided to apply to law schools and plans to begin her legal studies next fall. In her free time, she loves reading, particularly thrillers. It’s no surprise, then, that criminal law, in particular, has captured her interest.
A Supportive Environment
Ana credits much of her positive experience to the culture at Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C. She works closely with a small but tight-knit team of paralegals and legal professionals and enjoys coming into the office daily, soaking in as much real-world experience as possible.
“The people here are so amazing. They’ve been so helpful in teaching me things—everything from motions to how the office runs. I’ve learned so much here,” she reflects. “This experience has confirmed that this is the path I want to take. I feel really fortunate to have started in such a welcoming, rewarding environment.”
Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C., represents clients in all matters of family law, including Divorce, Ultra High Net Worth Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Separation, and Mediation. Leaders and the spouses of leaders of finance, law, entertainment, sports, real estate, and members of America’s prominent families rely upon the attorneys of our family law group.
