Case study

Karolina Kobialka — Trainee solicitor

Employer
Dentons

Karolina studied the LLB Law at SOAS University of London, followed by the LLM International Law at King's College London, before securing a training contract with leading law firm Dentons

What is your role at Dentons?

I am a first-year trainee in the Projects: Non-Contentious Construction team, having spent my first seat in the People, Reward and Mobility (Employment) practice.

What inspired you to apply to this law firm?

Dentons stood out to me as a firm that balances global reach with a genuinely supportive and inclusive culture. When I first engaged with the firm at a Legal Cheek Law Fair, I was struck by how approachable and open everyone was - it was clear that Dentons values its people and fosters a collaborative environment where trainees are trusted with responsibility and encouraged to take the initiative from day one. That first impression was reinforced during my vacation scheme, where I was given meaningful, hands-on work and felt like a valued member of the team rather than an observer.

Equally, Dentons' commitment to innovation was a major factor. I was impressed by the firm's adoption of legal tech tools like FleetAI, which are designed not just to improve efficiency, but also to enhance how we think and work as lawyers. This forward-thinking attitude, combined with a clear focus on client needs and market trends, convinced me that Dentons was the right place to start my legal career - one where I could grow, contribute and be challenged in equal measure.

What does a typical workday look like?

The variety of work keeps things interesting and provides constant opportunities to learn. In my PRM seat, my day might involve carrying out legal research, attending client meetings, and preparing detailed notes and hearing bundles, as well as assisting with court applications.

Alongside client work, trainees are encouraged to take part in non-chargeable tasks that support our professional development and the wider team. This includes reporting on employment-law-related news during team meetings and contributing articles or blogs to the Dentons website.

The balance of work ensures that we not only build technical skills, but also develop a broader understanding of the firm's practice areas and current legal trends.

What are your working hours like?

The hours are generally very manageable and flexible, depending on the team and workload. There is a strong culture of trust and autonomy. I have a good balance between spending time in the office and working from home. While there are busy periods (especially close to deadlines or completions), I have found the teams to be respectful of personal time, and I am usually able to switch off at the end of the day.

What is the most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?

To embrace uncertainty and ask questions. No one expects you to know everything on day one - what matters is how you approach the unknown. Being proactive, taking ownership and showing curiosity have helped me build confidence and learn faster. Dentons fosters an environment where questions are welcomed and learning is continuous, and that mindset has made all the difference.

What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?

  • adaptability
  • attention to detail
  • commercial awareness.

What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?

My top tip would be to show a genuine interest in Dentons as a firm, rather than giving generic answers that could apply anywhere. The firm has a unique culture, is international in reach, yet grounded and approachable, and showing that you understand and connect with that will go a long way.

It is important to demonstrate that you are commercially aware and curious about the broader issues affecting clients, whether regulatory change, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) trends or sector-specific challenges.

I would also recommend being open about your personal motivations. Do not be afraid to speak about why you are drawn to certain practice areas or how your background aligns with the firm's work. During interviews and applications, be reflective, not just about your achievements, but also about what you learned from them and how they have prepared you for life at a global firm.

What makes this law firm a great place to work?

Dentons is a great place to work because of its people, global reach and commitment to innovation. The teams I have worked with have been incredibly supportive, and the firm genuinely trusts trainees to take on meaningful work from early on.

There is also a strong sense of purpose here, whether it be helping clients navigate complex transactions or contributing to sustainability and ESG efforts. It is a place where you can grow, be challenged and feel part of something bigger.

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