Meet The Team

Ana Afonso – Notary Public, Solicitor & Mediator

Ana is the heart of Castelo Notaries as she founded both Castelo Notaries and Castelo Solicitors in 2013. 

She completed her Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at BPP Manchester in 2006 and 2007 respectively and qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales in 2009. She then qualified as a Notary Public at the University College London in 2013

Ana assists a number of clients with cross-border legal issues, particularly in Portugal where she is registered as a solicitor with the Portuguese ‘Ordem dos Advogados’.

Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish and French.

Maria Reche – Notary Public, Solicitor & Spanish Lawyer

Maria qualified as a Spanish Lawyer in 2011 and holds a Master’s Degree in Law. She has been practising law in London since 2018 and qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales in 2024, before being admitted as a Notary Public of England and Wales in 2026.

She specialises in cross-border Spanish and English legal matters, with particular expertise in international estates, taxation, wills and probate.

Maria is also a CIOL-qualified Spanish-English legal translator and provides specialist Anglo-Spanish legal services, assisting clients with complex legal matters involving both jurisdictions.

Languages: Spanish and English.

Nina Knezevic – Notary Public

Nina qualified as a Notary Public in August 2026. She gained extensive experience at top-tier London firms before joining Castelo Notaries.

Nina is a candidate Scrivener Notary. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Spanish and Business Management from the University of Manchester. She is an avid baker, a globe-trotter and a challenge seeker.

Languages: Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, English, and French (working knowledge).

Alcina Maciel – Executive Assistant

Alcina is an invaluable member to the team at Castelo Notaries with many years of experience supporting the Director and Legal team with client account management and the day-to-day running here at Castelo Notaries.

Alcina joined us after spending a number of years working in the Advertising industry.

Languages: Portuguese and English.

Elsa Rafferty – Notarial Assistant

Elsa joined Castelo in June 2025 as a Notarial Assistant, bringing a background in management and executive assistance.

She holds a Higher Diploma in Executive Assistance and Administration (RQF Level 4–5) from IES Ses Estacions in Palma, Mallorca, and is currently studying Business and Economic Sciences at UNED London.

Else enjoys supporting the team, developing her knowledge and skills, and contributing positively to the smooth running of the practice.

Languages: English and Spanish.

Camila Bejarano – Paralegal

A qualified Colombian lawyer specialising in Competition and Consumer Law, Camila holds an LLM in International Law from the University of Greenwich in London.

She joined Castelo in 2025 and currently works as a Paralegal within the firm’s Solicitors’ and Notary’s Department.

She works closely with the firm’s collaborators and solicitors in Spain, assisting with a range of cross-border legal and immigration matters and supporting clients throughout the process.

Languages: English and Spanish.

Raquel Alexandra Afonso Ruivo – Legal Assistant

Raquel joined Castelo in 2026 after graduating from the University of Greenwich with an LLB Law degree. She is currently working as a Legal Assistant while studying towards the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify as a Solicitor.

She has a particular interest in Family Law, especially international and cross-border legal matters, and the complexities involved in navigating different legal jurisdictions.

Languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Leonita Delia – Trainee Solicitor

Having completed an LLB Law degree and the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law, Leonita is currently training as a Solicitor with Castelo Solicitors.

She has gained experience across a range of legal areas, including Private Client, Family, Employment, and EU and International Law. Her work includes wills, UK and cross-border probate, divorce and child arrangements, and employment settlement agreements.

Languages: English and Albanian.

Dipika Pankhania – Senior Notary Assistant

Dipika has been with Castelo for four years and currently holds the position of Senior Notary Assistant.

She plays an important role in supporting the firm’s notarial services, assisting with the preparation and coordination of documentation and helping to ensure the smooth handling of client matters.

With her experience and knowledge of the firm’s processes, Dipika is a valued member of the team, helping to provide an efficient and professional service to clients.

Marcia Costa – Notarial Assistant

Marcia joined Castelo in 2026 after graduating from Durham University with a BA (Hons) degree in History.

Fluent in English and Portuguese, with a basic knowledge of Spanish and French, she enjoys communicating with and supporting clients from a wide range of backgrounds.

Friendly and approachable, Marcia is committed to creating a welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable, supported and at ease throughout their experience with the firm.

Languages: English, Portuguese, basic Spanish and French.

Sir Snowie – Good Boy

Sir Snowie is our unofficial mascot here at Castelo Notaries, where he is a regular in the office, in charge of greeting visitors and providing emotional support.