Patrycja Anna Wilk - Legal Professionals

Patrycja Anna Wilk is currently a student at King's College London, pursuing an MSc in Law and Professional Practice. She has worked as a trainee at the Council of the European Union, and legal assistant at KPMG Law. She is also currently representing KCL at the Vis Moot, alongside being a student advisor at the Legal Clinic.

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What is your role/profession? How long have you worked in this role?

I work as a Student Advisor at King’s Legal Clinic alongside my MSc in Law and Professional Practice. I have volunteered at the Clinic since September 2024, when I first joined King’s College London for my Postgraduate Diploma. I have been lucky enough to be able to continue during my final year at the university. In my role, I assist in providing pro bono legal advice to individuals who cannot afford private legal services. I work closely with the Clinic’s solicitors and under the supervision of external solicitors from partner firms, including Stowe Family Law and Duncan Lewis Solicitors. My work has primarily involved family and immigration law matters.

What drew you to this career path?

I have always been passionate about volunteering. Before studying law, I was involved in several initiatives, including mentoring young people aspiring to pursue higher education and providing language classes for Ukrainian refugees. When I began my legal studies, pro bono legal work was a way to continue this commitment whilst applying my legal training in practice. Joining King’s Legal Clinic felt especially important. Unlike general volunteering, legal advice can only be provided by qualified professionals, which significantly limits access to support – particularly in the context of gaps in legal aid eligibility and funding cuts. Given the serious consequences of being unaware of one’s legal rights, the Clinic allows me to contribute meaningfully to improving access to justice.

What achievement are you most proud of in your legal journey?

I am most proud of my work at King’s Legal Clinic. Rather than a single achievement, it is the collective impact of the work that feels most rewarding. Each advice letter we send out represents another individual who has received legal support and, hopefully, gained a clearer understanding of their rights and the protection the law can offer. Moments that reflect this broader impact stand out to me – such as the Clinic winning Best Contribution by a Pro Bono Clinic at the LawWorks Pro Bono Awards, or the fact that we supported 170 clients during the 2024–2025 academic year, with 100% of respondents saying they would recommend the Clinic to others. The experience is especially meaningful because cases at the Clinic are largely student-led. Student Advisors are entrusted with significant responsibility, from conducting client interviews to drafting advice letters under solicitor supervision. Leading a case and contributing directly to a positive outcome for a client is something that makes me incredibly proud.

What is one failure you experienced and what did you learn from it?

Due to client confidentiality, I can’t discuss case specifics, but I faced a challenge whilst working on my first family law case at the Clinic. Family law matters are often emotionally charged, and I found myself approaching the case from an emotional rather than a legal perspective. Ultimately, this hindered my ability to support the client effectively. Whilst empathy is important, focusing on emotions did not provide the client with the clear, practical legal advice they were seeking. Clients often come to the Clinic during difficult periods, looking for a steady hand and reassurance through well-reasoned legal guidance. This experience taught me the importance of maintaining professional objectivity, particularly in sensitive cases. The most meaningful way to support clients is through careful legal analysis and clear advice.

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