Olga Wiśniewska-Łukasiuk

I joined Allen & Overy in 2012 as an associate in the competition law department. I had just returned from working at DG Competition at the European Commission, completed my master’s studies at the Warsaw School of Economics and was looking forward to starting my job in a top-ranked competition team in Poland. I always enjoyed working in an international environment, on demanding projects, and finding solutions to challenging legal queries. However, the most important aspect for me has always been a genuine team spirit within an organisation and a collaborative work culture.

Allen & Overy provided me with the opportunity to work on interesting multijurisdictional transactions where I can advise clients from various industries all over the world. It would be no exaggeration to say that no two projects on my desk were the same and the word “routine” has disappeared from my professional vocabulary. I learned that high working standards and professional excellence are only one aspect of client care, and that “advising” means so much more than interpreting legal rules. I have been constantly encouraged to broaden my legal and non-legal skills, A&O Business School courses being the best example of how an organisation can help you to reach your potential at every stage of your career. Finally, I appreciate that being part of a global law firm offers access to global know-how resources and enables experience sharing which can give you a unique competitive advantage in navigating though today’s business landscape.

My personal long-term goal in pursuing a career at Allen & Overy was to ensure that my professional life can be combined with a family life in a balanced and manageable way. I am very grateful that my partner and my team have supported me in achieving this. Looking back at the last few years I have gained invaluable experience and found friends for life.