Meet Gosia

Gosia, please tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in Wrocław, Poland, where I am currently based. During my studies, I had the opportunity to spend a year abroad in Graz, Austria. Growing up, I was very active in sports and music, and at one point, I thought I might focus on those areas professionally. I’ve been married since 2012 (fun fact: I married the same man three times in three different places, year after year!) and I’m a proud mother of two wonderful sons.

Throughout your career as a lawyer, what has been the most pivotal moment that shaped your perspective of the profession?

There have been several. I’d highlight studying in Austria, which gave me valuable practical experience, transitioning from a deployed function to the local legal team, the integration of Credit Suisse and UBS, and becoming General Counsel for Poland. However, I believe the most pivotal moment was becoming a mother. It not only transformed my personal life but also helped me set clear priorities and become more organized.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law? 

Honestly, I never dreamt of becoming a lawyer. If my parents had allowed me to move to another city as a teenager, to continue ballet school, I might have pursued a career in dance. Legal studies in Poland seemed too theoretical and lacking in practical application. Until the last moment, I wasn’t sure which path to choose, so studying law was more of a pragmatic decision than a passionate one. However, becoming an in-house lawyer and working closely with international businesses completely changed my view of the legal profession.

Being recognized as one of the top 25 Women Lawyers in Business by Forbes is an incredible achievement. Did you ever envision such recognition?

As for being featured in Forbes, it felt completely out of reach. When a friend suggested I apply, my initial thought was, “This isn’t for me”. But after reviewing the past rankings and comparing them to my achievements, I decided to give it a try. My motto is, “At least I tried”, and that’s exactly how I felt when I sent in my application. Even if I wasn’t selected, I knew I could work on my goals and apply again next year. I was truly delighted to be recognized amongst such a talented group of women.

How do you sustain balance between your work and personal life?

For me, work-life balance doesn’t necessarily mean working just 8 hours a day. It’s about understanding that there will be times when my professional life needs more attention, and other times when my personal life will take priority. Setting clear priorities and being kind to myself has been crucial in finding the right balance.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family and friends. Once I realized that asking for support doesn’t diminish me, and that people are usually eager to help, everything became easier. I also can’t overstate the importance of my managers, who have always been incredibly supportive.

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to enter the legal field or who are at the beginning of their career in law, especially when it comes to overcoming challenges or navigating this industry?

• Find a female mentor who can guide you through the legal landscape and provide pragmatic advice.
• Consistently build your network, both within your organization and with other lawyers.
• Take every opportunity to speak up, advocate for your position, and trust in your knowledge. Believe in yourself!