Claresta graduated from the University of Sydney with a combined Bachelor of Law (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (French Studies) in 2005. During her university studies Claresta completed a working exchange program in France and was employed part-time as a Law Clerk at a Sydney firm.

Prior to joining Harmers, Claresta worked as a paralegal in London for a large international firm and then completed the Law Graduate Program at the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Claresta was admitted as a solicitor in December 2007 and continued working at the Australian Industrial Relations Commission as an Associate to a Presidential Member. She was involved in the award modernisation process and gained experience in unfair and unlawful dismissal issues.

Claresta joined Harmers' Sydney team in February 2009.