I was born and grew up in Poland. I studied at the University of Maria Curie-Sklodowska in Lublin, Poland and graduated in 2005 with a Masters degree in Law. After graduation I decided to take a gap year and came to England to learn the language. Having taken up various voluntary activities and internships, I have developed a keen interest in the area of and Free Movement of Persons in European law. I was surprised to learn that Human Rights and free movement principles have such a prominent position in the UK legal system. As a result I decided to take up studies in the UK. My decision to remain in the UK and qualify as a here, rather than in Poland, seemed like a gamble to some of my friends and family, especially to those who knew the realities of the legal market in London and how difficult it is to secure a training . During my GDL course I found a job as an office assistant in a niche immigration , where I quickly progressed to become an accredited immigration adviser. I was finally able to live my dream and advise clients as well as practice and learn the areas of law which I was genuinely interested in. If someone told me at that time that I would be on my way to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, training at one of the best law firms in the country, I would not have believed it.

While working as an immigration adviser, I learned about BWB’s immigration practice and the firm’s unique position as the leading “charity law firm”. When I noticed an advertisement for an immigration paralegal position on BWB’s website I jumped at this opportunity immediately. And I got the job! I worked as a Senior Paralegal in the Immigration Department for 3 years, before starting my training contract in September 2013. I completed my LPC course part time, while working at BWB full time.

BWB brings out the best in people. The firm encourages and inspires benevolent activities and offers truly unique opportunities to develop skills and talents. As a paralegal, supervised by Philip Trott and Chris Randall, I was given as many responsibilities as I could take on, including direct client contact and my own casework. I was encouraged to progress and so I applied for a training contract at BWB. The firm was my first choice, because I knew that the trainees at BWB receive a very thorough and intensive training in a supportive and friendly atmosphere, which inspires teamwork and loyalty. Having now completed three months of my first seat in the Company and Commercial department I can wholeheartedly confirm that this is true. When I look back at my training contract record I’m astonished how much I have learned in such a short space of time. What is also unique about BWB is that trainees have a chance to work directly with partners, often sharing a room with a partner. It provides countless benefits, one of which is a chance to learn how a law practice operates as a business.

One of the points which is not obvious when you look at BWB’s website or legal directories is that the firm is strong and growing in the corporate and commercial area. BWB offers a rare opportunity to pursue a career where commercial acumen and a charitable ethos are successfully combined.

I would strongly recommend applying for a training contract at BWB to all those who thrive on challenges, who are full of initiative and who wish to learn from the leaders in their respective fields, but most importantly to all those who have a genuine commitment to BWB’s practice areas and sectors in which the firm operates.